Flyway Nights next speaker series to discuss ‘Salmon of Lower Putah Creek’

Historically, salmon spawned intermittently in Lower Putah Creek, but following the construction of multiple dams on the creek in the mid-1900s and the occurrence of severe drought conditions, salmon were extirpated for several decades. In recent years, after the implementation of a natural flow regime and strategic flow management practices, salmon have been observed spawning in the upper reaches of Lower Putah Creek and juvenile salmon have been captured on their way.

On Thursday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m., Flyway Nights, a speaker series hosted by Yolo Basin Foundation, brings Mackenzie Miner to discuss “Salmon of Lower Putah Creek.” Mackenzie Miner is a graduate student researcher in the Animal Biology Graduate Group, Dept. of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology at UC Davis. Her research seeks to characterize the process of salmon reestablishment in newly rehabilitated habitats, furthering our understanding of reconciliation ecology and her interests focus on identifying ways to encourage biodiversity in urban ecosystems. The presentation will be via Zoom.

Flyway Nights is a monthly speaker series highlighting environmental issues, natural history of Northern California and current research topics in conservation. Yolo Basin Foundation hosts Flyway Nights the first Thursday of the month from November to April through virtual presentations. Registration is required to receive the Zoom link to the presentation.

A $10 donation to support the Foundation’s wetland education programs is suggested. For the complete schedule and to register, visit www.yolobasin. org/flywaynights or call Yolo Basin Foundation at (530) 757-3780.