Lakeside School

Every fall, groups of Lakeside 8th graders embark on cultural- and service-immersion trips around the region. The program helps students develop an awareness and understanding of, and respect for, the diverse set of communities in the Pacific Northwest and the common issues throughout the region. Students write blog entries to document their learning and share aspects of their experience. The following post is from the group that travelled to the Elwha River watershed, examining issues relating to the restoration of the area after the removal of the Elwha Dams. They learn firsthand about the dynamic interactions between the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Olympic National Park, botanists, salmon fisheries specialists, and others who have been involved with restoring this ecosystem.

This morning, I woke up bright and early with the sun, its rays wrapping me like a blanket, and the smell of breakfast pulling me towards it. After eating my nutritious breakfast consisting of bagels and yogurt with berries, I boarded the bus, happy to help my community with the removal of invasive plants which surprisingly was located near the basin of Lake Aldwell which was drained when the Elwha Dam came down. Before we could start removing the weed nicknamed "Stinky Bob", I explored the beach and all of its beautiful wildlife. After an hour, we returned to the clearing, where Stinky Bob carpeted the floor. After another hour of weeding, the clearing was free of the weeds!

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As my classmates and I rode on the van to the fishery, the surreal landscape beckoned to me. I wondered how the ecosystem with the incredible rolling hills and autumn trees reaching up to the stars found a balance, an equilibrium. That's when I realized that this land would be empty without the salmon.

Robert, the manager of the fishery, informed us of struggles the salmon face as well as their significance. Until the salmon reach their spawning grounds, they face numerous obstacles. The longer salmon stay in the marine environment, the higher their risks become, he said. Simply put, the salmon have less chances of survival.

Furthermore, even when they reach their spawning ground they die after laying their eggs. This is the case for every species of the five species (Chum, Sockeye, King, Silver, and Pink salmon). In the beginning, I felt quite saddened by the unfortunate fate of these salmon. However, I have come to realize that the purpose they play in the environment is crucial.

According to Robert, this is because of the marine derived nutrients they carry and give to the land, since they spawn in the river, go to the ocean, and come back to their spawning grounds due to their imprints. Robert toured us around: he showed us the countless salmon eggs; the steelhead trout; and the school of swarming fry.

The most memorable moment is when I first saw the adult salmon actually swimming up to the hatchery. It's quite astonishing to actually witness this process of nature. I hope to always remember these salmon and the role they play, similar to how they always remember where to come back.

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During the ride home, I wondered if we were going back to the tribal center to play with the kids again, as it was SO fun yesterday. However, tonight was the Black Light Party, so we turned into the driveway to eat an early dinner. Cooking crew made a delicious stir fry with veggies and teriyaki chicken while the rest of us played capture the flag outside.

When everyone was done eating dinner, we hopped back into the bus to join the black light party. Once we got there, I was surprised to see so many kids in neon pink shirts and lime green shorts. Pretty soon, the lights were turned off and the gym got dark, except for a handful of black light spotlights that illuminated all bright colors. We played games that we learned from students in Elwha, like Mushroom Ball and Dodge Ball, in the gym until we were too tired to play another round. I had so much fun getting to join the local kids for an evening of games, and know that everyone else did too!