2021 GCA Conservation Study Conference

November 18, 2021

Saving Salmon

Wild salmon loom large in the Pacific Northwest as a bellwether species for the ecological and economic health of the region as well as for the traditional culture and identity of north west indigenous peoples. On November 17, The Garden Club of America’s (GCA) 2021 Conservation Study Conference took a look at how people in the salmon space are making a difference. From habitat to harvest to home-cooked filets, the possibility exists to give life to preservation practices and a mindful approach to the fish on our plates.

GCA club members had the opportunity to meet a photographer, a fly-tyer, and a fisherman; to see alevins, orcas, bears, and eagles; to hear about why indigenous cultural traditions matter; and to learn about the problems with the five H's: habitat, hydropower, harvest, hatcheries, and history. Conference attendees, participating virtually, heard from speakers Guido Rahr, president and CEO, the Wild Salmon Center, Amy Gulick, nature photographer and writer, David Montgomery, author of the popular science book: King of Fish, Aja K. DeCoteau, interim executive director for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission (CRITFC), and Lynda Mapes, reporter at the Seattle Times specializing in covering the environment and indigenous peoples. Additional topics included Advocating for Clean Water, Protecting the Salmon Habitat, and Know Your Source — a look at promoting sustainable practices. 

The GCA made a rapid pivot beginning in late spring 2020 from destination-based, in-person events to virtual gatherings. Teams of volunteers have been engaged in learning strategies for creating and presenting educational content for member clubs in this new way. First up was last year’s 2020 Shirley Meneice Horticulture Conference. Opening events up virtually — now to ten-fold the attendance of past years — has been a silver-lining during challenging times.

Next up is the Floral Design Conference in December, 2021. 

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