One day, while driving near Edison, I noticed the fishermen. Their trucks parked along the road and, there they were, all lined up along the river bank sporting hip boots, camo, fishing poles. I watched a couple walking back to their trucks carrying their catch of large, beautiful salmon.
Later I stopped at that spot to look over on the north side which is hard to see from the road. The fishermen had gone. It was quiet and beautiful and, as I looked, I saw two very large salmon jumping and waving their tails at me.
Salmon and trees just seem to go together. It's been that way since the beginning.
We all want and need protection from the elements, enough food to eat, clean air, a respite from the rigors of life. Trees provide that for salmon.
The forest environment on the banks of rivers and streams is called Riparian vegetation. This dies and ends up in the streams. It includes dead wood, underbrush.. generally, 'compost' of the forest and, in the fall, dead salmon. It is a food source and oxygen for salmon and other water citizens.
It is the smallest percentage of forest environment in northwest Washington yet has an effect on 80% of the wildlife population. All the living, dining, nesting, resting and hiding goes on here.
We must protect and speak for all natural communities as they have no voice.
I am a jewelry artist and painter living in Cascadia, along the Salish Sea in the northwest corner of Washington State.
My home and studio is in Anacortes, a town on an island, surrounded by stories and tales and memories.
This place inspires me.
