Marin County’s Lagunitas Watershed has been identified as one of the most important spawning and rearing habitats left in California for recovering endangered coho salmon on the central coast.
By working with local, state and federal agencies; students; private landowners, partner organizations; and volunteers, SPAWN’s restoration projects enhance instream and riparian habitat, promote clean water, and inspire our community to restore critically endangered coho salmon, the population of which has declined more than 95% from historic levels. SPAWN has completed numerous habitat restoration and riparian enhancement projects since its inception in 1999. Efforts to save wild coho salmon have included projects such as removing fish passage barriers, installing rain barrels to capture and filter rainwater rooftop runoff; repairing failing streambanks; installing large woody debris structures; planting riparian trees along streams; and upgrading dirt roads to reduce sedimentation. Click on the map to view and learn more about all of SPAWN’s projects.
SPAWN’s habitat restoration projects are made possible with the help of our interns, volunteers, partner schools, and supporters. You can get hands-on experience restoring habitat for endangered coho salmon by volunteering with SPAWN to plant, weed, perform site maintenance, water, and more at our various restoration projects throughout the Lagunitas Creek Watershed! All ages and abilities are welcome. Tools are provided. Upcoming opportunities are listed on our online calendar. You can also contact Preston Brown at preston@seaturtles.org for group arrangements and additional questions.