After attending Vintage High School (VHS) for almost three years, the two of us observed many instances of habitat invasion and damage to the creek that runs through campus. Students often throw their garbage into the creek, and even fished for and harassed salmon during a major spawning season last year. 

Back in the early months of this year, we decided to start a project to increase awareness of the creek, with a particular focus on endangered chinook salmon that spawn in it. This was also part of our internship program with the Napa Sierra Club. As mentioned, previously, there have been incidents involving the fish in the creek, which stemmed from a clear lack of knowledge of their importance. We decided that the students must be educated on what the chinook salmon are, and why they should save, rather than harm, them. 

So, we began by writing a blurb about the salmon for the VHS “Tapes.” For those who don’t know, the VHS “Tapes” are videos watched weekly by the entire school, and are a great way to gain a large student audience. In “Aina’s Nature Walk” portion, a section of the VHS “Tapes” reserved for environmental subjects, we included an anecdote educating students about the endangered creatures that passed through our creek every year. 

At the same time, we got together with local environmentalists to create informational signs installed along the creek. We first walked along the creek, surveying ideal locations to place these signs. Once we figured out which areas were city land versus school property, we decided on the specific places where signs would be most effective. With the help of Yvonne Baginski (a passionate environmentalist), and the Golden State Salmon Association, we created six metal signs, which included the life cycle of the chinook and how to avoid disrupting them. These signs have been installed (see photos below!), just in time for the fall spawning season of the salmon, which occurs from October to December.

We hope to continue to raise awareness for these salmon in our last year at Vintage High. Hopefully, even after we graduate, Vintage’s student body will become more aware of the important and endangered Chinook salmon right here in our backyard.