Maple Ridge event celebrates salmon return to Kanaka Creek

The Kanaka Education and Environmental Partnership Society (KEEPS) is inviting the community to celebrate the return of salmon to Kanaka Creek. Its Return of the Salmon event will feature interactive activities and information about the salmon’s life and journey, as well as the Kanaka watershed. KEEPS executive director Ross Davies said the chum run is early and abundant so far this year. He said the fish had been waiting for higher water flow to move upstream. The run is now underway, about a week earlier than the timing when chum are usually seen, he said.

The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 18, at the Kanaka Creek Regional Park Fish Fence, 23960 Kanaka Creek Rd. in Maple Ridge. Participants can see chum up close and learn how to distinguish males from females. They may also see coho if any are in the area. Davies said the fish dissection station will return, with “Dr. Death” examining the outside and inside of some fish. Information about the creek, the watershed and ways to get involved will also be available.

Attendance is capped at 200. When registering, guests are asked to indicate the number of people in their party and select an hourly time slot. To register, email info@keeps.org or visit https://keeps.org/.

KEEPS is a registered non-profit established in 1998. Its mission is to maintain the health of the Kanaka Creek watershed’s natural ecosystem through education, community involvement, scientific research, land preservation and partnerships based on stewardship principles. The society also aims to promote appreciation, understanding, protection and enjoyment of Kanaka Creek Regional Park and the natural and historical features of the Kanaka watershed.

The society advises Metro Vancouver Regional Parks with the aim of protecting natural ecosystems, maintaining recreational opportunities in harmony with nature, and promoting public knowledge and stewardship of the natural environment in Kanaka Creek Regional Parks. KEEPS also partners with Metro Vancouver Regional Parks on events and programming at the Kanaka Creek Watershed Stewardship Centre, which includes the Bell-Irving Hatchery, the George Ross Learning Room and wetlands.