Endangered Coho Spawning in West Marin

WHAT: Naturalist-led creek walks to see spawning, giant, red, endangered coho salmon is being offered to the public right here in the Bay Area. WHEN: Twice daily every Saturday and Sunday from Nov 20 – Jan 16th at 10 AM and 1 PM. Also on Mon Dec 27 through Thurs Dec 30th at 10 AM and 1 PM WHERE: Marin County, CA. Public meets at San Geronimo Valley Cultural Center, 6350 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard, San Geronimo (approx. 5 mi. west of Fairfax, 20 miles N. of Golden Gate Bridge) and carpools to various nearby sites to view fish. WHO:  SPAWN, the Salmon Protection And Watershed Network, leads the walks. SPAWN is a non-profit organization working to protect and restore these endangered species. See www.SpawnUSA.org COST: Donation of $4.00 adults, $2.00 kids requested.  RESERVATIONS REQUIRED.  CALL 415 488 0370 X 101 (M-F, 9AM-5 PM) BACKGROUND: Marin County hosts the largest remaining population of wild coho salmon left in California, a species on the brink of extinction.. Every winter, two-foot salmon leave the ocean and migrate up Lagunitas Creek to spawn and complete their life cycle that has continued for millions of years. To accomplish this, these the fish must jump waterfalls, maneuver past otters and herons and dig nests in gravel beds to deposit their eggs. Along the way the male fish turn bright red, grow massive hooked jaws and compete to fertilize the eggs deposited by the females. For more information,visit www.SpawnUSA.org The public is invited to come along and witness these magnificent events and learn all about the species and the threats they face. The walks are easy strolls along relatively flat trails. Tours go rain or shine. Dress warmly, bring raingear, cameras and binoculars. MEDIA: PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PUBLICATION