NSEA's Salmon Discovery Program provides free, educational opportunities to see salmon in the wild through salmon sighting events and by engaging volunteers to collect data on local salmon creeks through citizen science.
Salmon heavily impact local economy, ecosystems, and cultures, but their year-round presence in local waterways can be easily forgotten or missed altogether due to their migration patterns and limited opportunities to see them in the wild. To help our community better understand salmon and human impacts on their recovery, NSEA provides meaningful opportunities to interact and see salmon coupled with education and outreach that highlights the positive impact individual action can have in protecting salmon and their habitat.
Salmon Sightings
Each year, we pick a few streams in Whatcom County to visit with our outreach booth, games, and prizes in celebration of the return of spawning salmon to freshwater. Come look for salmon with us! All events are open-house style, free, and great for all ages.
In odd years (like 2025), we have events in Glacier, WA. Every year in fall, we host events all over Whatcom Couty.
Pink Salmon Sightings
Stop by for a chance to see the biennial return of pink salmon and learn all about them. Bring your curiosity and excitement for this marvelous species!
August 22 - September 13
Fridays and Saturdays
10am-2pm
Directions: East on HWY 542, one mile east of Glacier turn right on Glacier Creek Road and continue for one mile until you see our tent.
Questions? Call 360-715-0283, email sbrown@n-sea.org
Fall Salmon Sightings
As fall looms closer, coho and chum salmon begin their return to rivers and creeks. Join us at the following locations to enjoy the sight!
Oyster Creek
Saturday, November 01 - 12-3pm
Taylor Shellfish Farms
Whatcom Creek
Saturday, November 08 - 12-3pm
Maritime Heritage Park - parking is available in neighboring downtown streets
Chuckanut Creek
Saturday, November 15 - 12-3pm
Arroyo Park - parking is at the North Chuckanut Mountain Trailhead
Salmon Spotters Citizen Science Project
Volunteer with us to monitor creeks throughout Whatcom County! We provide everything you need to collect valuable data, learn more by visiting the project page below.
Learning More
Explore our resources to discover more about the state of salmon populations and how the work NSEA does connects to regional salmon recovery efforts in the Puget Sound. If you see salmon in Whatcom County, let us know!
If you have questions, please reach out to Sarah, our Stewardship Program Manager for assistance – sbrown@n-sea.org or call 360-715-0283 x 109.