Restoring the Elwha River Watershed for Salmon

​Explore and Question:
Driving Question: How can we help restore the Elwha River watershed at Olympic National Park to support the recovery of salmon populations?
Introduction: Welcome to our PBL project! The Elwha River watershed at Olympic National Park was once a thriving habitat for salmon, but the construction of the Elwha River dams disrupted their natural life cycle. This project aims to explore the ecosystem, investigate the challenges faced by salmon, and create solutions for their restoration. Let's embark on this exciting journey together by choosing one of the following to explore:

Investigate and Create:

1. Watershed Ecology:
   
   1. Watershed Exploration: Study the Elwha River watershed and its importance to salmon.
      
   2. Ecosystem Components: Investigate the various elements within the watershed that support salmon.
      
   3. Habitat Restoration: Learn about the importance of restoring the natural habitat for salmon.
      
   4. Resources: Use the Olympic National Park's official website for information on the Elwha River watershed.
2. Salmon Life Cycle:
   
   1. Life Stages: Explore the different stages in the life of a salmon, from eggs to adults.
      
   2. Migration: Discover the incredible journey salmon undertake to spawn.
      
   3. Challenges: Investigate the obstacles salmon face due to the dams and habitat degradation.
      
   4. Resources: Check out "Salmon Stream" by Carol Reed-Jones for a children's book about salmon life cycles.
3. Dam Removal and Its Impact:
   
   1. Elwha River Dam History: Understand the history and significance of the Elwha River dams.
      
   2. Dam Removal Process: Learn about the removal of the dams and its impact on the ecosystem.
      
   3. Data Collection: Gather data on how salmon populations have responded to dam removal.
      
   4. Resources: Use the "Salmon Story: The Magic of Moving Water" by Rena Johnson to explain the dam removal process to children.
4. Habitat Restoration Projects:
   
   1. Case Studies: Explore real-life examples of habitat restoration projects that support salmon recovery.
      
   2. Design a Project: Work on creating your own habitat restoration plan.
      
   3. Collaboration: Discuss how community involvement is crucial in habitat restoration.
      
   4. Resources: Refer to "River Rescue" by Jennifer Keats Curtis to understand community involvement in habitat restoration.

List of Questions:

• What is a watershed, and why is it important for the ecosystem?
• How do salmon contribute to the Elwha River watershed's health?
• What are the different stages in the life of a salmon?
• How did the Elwha River dams impact salmon populations?
• What was the process of removing the Elwha River dams, and what were the results?
• How can habitat restoration projects support salmon recovery in the watershed?

Children's Literature:

• "Salmon Stream" by Carol Reed-Jones
• "Salmon Story: The Magic of Moving Water" by Rena Johnson
• "River Rescue" by Jennifer Keats Curtis

Share and Improve:

• Present your findings, habitat restoration plans, and the importance of salmon recovery to your classmates, teachers, and community members.
• Collect feedback and suggestions for improving your project.

Reflect and Apply:

• Reflect on what you've learned about the Elwha River watershed and salmon.
• Consider how your knowledge can be applied to protect and restore other watersheds and ecosystems.

Resources:
Watershed Ecology:

• Olympic National Park - Official park website with information on the Elwha River watershed.