This is a family event to celebrate the fall Chinook salmon returning to Battle Creek and the hatchery. Visitors will be able to observe all aspects of the day-to-day hatchery operations; spawning, egg incubation, and juvenile rearing. Information sites are located on the hatchery grounds for visitors to learn more about salmon?s habitat requirements, and lifecycle. More than 50 exhibitor booths are expected including many government and community organizations which also participate in the festival.

This year’s activities include:

• Viewing of adult Chinook salmon and salmon spawning operation
• “Salmon aquarium”
• Resource information booths
• Fish tagging
• Recreational displays
• Children’s activities
• Safety fingerprinting
• Blood drive
• Food available by Junction Educational Foundation
• Demonstrations of Native American activities

Admission and Parking are Free. There are also free shuttle buses from the Wal-Mart SuperCenter in Anderson

Visitors will also be able to see the new fish passage ladder which opened Sept. 30. This was a joint Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service project to help improve managers’ ability to separate spawning populations of Central Valley spring- and fall-run Chinook salmon. Spring-run Chinook are threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The ladder should contribute to the success of the Battle Creek Salmon and Steelhead Restoration Project, which is working to improve fish passage and habitat in the upstream reaches of Battle Creek.

For more information: (530) 365-8622

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work in California and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov/cno.