The key event of the year at the Buck Creek Canfor Hatchery and Nature Centre takes place June 7 at 11 a.m. with the annual release of coho fry.
Called "Goodbye Fry," as many as 150 people participate each year by releasing coho fry which began as eggs gathered and fertilized by hatchery workers and volunteers.
Upwards of 6,000 fry will be released in what will be the ninth year the event has been held, said hatchery and nature centre manager Cindy Verbeek.
"Our first release was in spring of 2016 from our pilot hatchery (a shed in someone's backyard). We didn't raise fish in 2016/17 since we were fundraising and building a permanent hatchery. We have then released fish every year since 2018 from the permanent facility," she said in relaying a brief history of the hatchery and its purpose.
While the majority of the fry were released by hatchery workers with the help of employees from the federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans on May 22, Verbeek said enough were held back for the public release on June 7.
In having a public release, the hatchery and nature centre builds on the community involvement in its work and in the importance of the local river system.
"We have always invited the community to release the fish in the spring. Over the past four to five years we have added information booths from partner organizations, fun activities for the whole family and a barbecue to the event," said Verbeek.
"With such a small staff (one during the winter and 2-3 during the summer) we simply could not do the work that we do without the help of partners, community members and local landowners," she added.
The barbecue at this year's release is being supported by the Bullkley Valley Credit Union and the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Swag for volunteers and participants comes via the Pacific Salmon Foundation and the Bulkley Valley Community Foundation.
The nature centre and hatchery will also acknowledge sponsorship from the Moose, Babine Truck and Equipment, All West Glass, Houston Today, Blast Enterprises and DWD Consulting.
Verbeek said that since A Rocha, the hatchery and nature centre's founding non-profit and non-governmental organization, it depends on donations and grants.
It's a consistent stream of donations and grants which have now resulted in permanent structures and a developed outdoor space.
Those interested in donating are welcome to speak to Verbeek at the hatchery and nature centre.
