Friends History
Hands-on environmental education.
Friends of Northwest Hatcheries was established as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization on August 12, 1994. Friends was created to support affiliated fish hatchery outreach programs, and to directly benefit surrounding communities by broadening program scope and effectiveness.
Beginning with the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery Complex, which includes Entiat and Winthrop Hatcheries, the Friends umbrella has grown to encompass nine National Fish Hatcheries in Washington, Idaho, and Northern California.
A major component of Friends’ support effort has been geared towards educational programs for elementary, middle school, and high school students. Arts and Sciences, the Environment, Natural Resource Education, and Outdoor Recreation are just some of the subjects emphasized.
The Wenatchee River Salmon Festival is Friends’ largest supported event. Managing funds donated for festival operations, and supplying many volunteer hours for planning and implementation are just some of our contributions to the festival.