A Little History About the Friends

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 eight National Fish Hatcheries in Washington and Idaho.

A major component of Friends' support effort has been geared towards educational programs for elementary, middle school, and high school students. Spawn Shop at Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery.Arts and Sciences, natural resource education, and outdoor recreation are just some of the subjects emphasized.

Friends operates Leavenworth's Spawn Shop, Spawn Shop II at Spring Creek NFH in the Columbia Gorge, and the Dworshak Spawn Shop in Ahsahka, Idaho. Spawn Shops are gift stores filled with unique fish and wildlife products and educational materials. Proceeds go directly to the Friends support effort.

The largest event Friends supports is the Wenatchee River Salmon Festival, now in its seventeenth year. Managing funds donated for festival operations, and supplying many volunteer hours for planning and implementation are just some of our contributions to the festival.