Program Basics and Logistics

Salmon Watch is a fully volunteer-led program, with the exception of the Program Coordinators who are staff of Benton SWCD. We couldn’t do it without our amazing volunteers!

Benton County Salmon Watch field trips run from mid-October to mid-November, in Clemens County Park in Alsea, Oregon. A minimum of 4 volunteers is required for each program – one to lead each of the 4 stations. For larger programs, additional volunteers may be requested by the Program Coordinator.

Most field trips take place from Tuesday-Thursday each week, from 10am to 1:30pm. Volunteers are expected to arrive by 9:15am and to stay until all program activities are cleaned up, usually by 2:00pm.

Training Process for New Volunteers

1. Attend a half-day training session in September - or just jump to the next step if you missed the training!
2. Shadow a program to see all 4 stations in action and get a feel for program logistics
3. Complete the required Background Check (the background check is free - just choose to have Calapooia Watershed Council pay, OR you can choose to donate the fee.)
4. Decide which station you would like to concentrate on leading this season. (Many of our volunteers are trained on multiple stations, but we recommend you start with just one your first season. If you'd like to train on more stations later, that's great!)
5. Thoroughly review the Volunteer Manual and explore the linked learning resources
6. Shadow another program to watch your chosen station all day, or team teach with the Lead Volunteer if you're comfortable
7. Sign up to lead your station on your own - as many dates as you'd like!