It's the time of year for Chinook Salmon to fight their way up Silver Creek on their annual spawning run, and the Blue Mountain Watershed Trust is inviting you to a front row seat this weekend.
The annual See the Salmon Run event takes place Saturday, Sept. 21, and this time there's a bike route that participants can follow to see the salmon in area creeks.
“The centrepiece of the event remains the 15-minute self-guided nature hike through the woods along Silver Creek,” says Nanette Sanson in a news release.
Sanson is organizing this year’s event on behalf of the Blue Mountain Watershed Trust, an environmental charity.
“Adults and children stop at 4 locations where conservation and fish experts are on hand to explain what’s happening and sticker kids’ fish ‘passport’ colouring books,” she explains. “It’s magical, educational and beautiful.”
According to a news release from the watershed trust, last year's event brought out more than 200 adults and 150 children.
The day's activities include a giant inflatable salmon, wetland-themed interactive games, face painting, live music, free lunch for kids, and food and beverages available for purchase from Between the Bunz and Collingwood Brewery.
Water is available (bring your own cups) and there will be accessible washrooms.
This year's event also includes a cycling/driving tour with stops at five locations to see the salmon. Participants for the bike and driving tour should stop at the intersection of 6th Street and Osler Bluff Road to pick up a map in the morning so they can be back at the event space by lunch.
The event includes parking on-site and will take place at the Foley property, 609830 Side Rd 12 The Blue Mountains, ON L9Y 0P5, just west of Osler Bluff Road and 6th Street. It’s open to the public 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Attendees are encouraged to wear boots, bring a water bottle or cup, and dress for the weather.
Entry is free for children up to five years old, $5 for children aged six to 12 years old, and $10 for anyone aged 13 or older. Lunch is free for kids 12 and under. Tickets may be bought online via www.seethesalmon.ca.
About The Blue Mountain Watershed Trust Foundation
The Blue Mountain Watershed Trust Foundation (Watershed Trust), Ontario’s first watershed trust, was founded in 1994. During the past 29 years, the Watershed Trust has dedicated itself to preserving and protecting the area’s wetlands, watercourses and wildlife corridors. This includes Silver Creek and the Silver Creek Wetland, a Provincially Significant wetland and one of the region's most valuable natural features. The Silver Creek Watershed offers $10.5 million worth of non-market ecological services to the province each year.
The Watershed Trust is a grassroots, all-volunteer organization supported by donations and fundraising. The organization exists in order to raise awareness of and protect watercourses in the Collingwood/Blue Mountains area including Silver, Townline, Batteaux and Black Ash Creeks; the Beaver and Pretty Rivers; and Indian Brook.
