Taking a (Lemonade) Stand for Salmon

Idaho’s wild salmon have a way of leaving a lasting impression. 

This summer, six-year-old Weston joined his grandfather for a special salmon viewing trip along scenic Marsh Creek near Stanley, Idaho. The experience included Idaho Conservation League (ICL) staff, Youth Salmon Protectors (YSP), and Russ Thurow, Emeritus Fisheries Research Scientist at the Rocky Mountain Research Station, who graciously donated his time and expertise to introduce a young advocate to Idaho’s wild salmon.

During the tour, Weston got an up-close look at these remarkable fish, and witnessed the magic of Idaho’s salmon firsthand in one of their most important remaining habitats. 

Marsh Creek provides pristine habitat for salmon returning to the upper Salmon River basin. But getting there is no easy journey. Born in Idaho’s rivers, salmon must navigate eight dams on their journey to the Pacific Ocean, and then navigate those same eight dams to return home to the cold, clean waters where they spawn. Despite pristine spawning habitat, these obstacles are pushing Idaho’s salmon toward extinction. 

Despite low salmon returns, Weston had the opportunity to see some fish spawning. 

“It was incredible to see someone as young as him so passionate about wildlife”, said Youth Salmon Protector, Cadence Taylor. “You could just see how amazed he was by the salmon while we watched the females dig redds and males swim around.”

Inspired by the resilience of Idaho’s salmon, Weston launched a lemonade stand with a special mission: Save the Salmon.

Weston’s message clearly resonated. This summer, he raised $315 through his lemonade stand and brought the proceeds to ICL’s annual Member Appreciation Porch Party in September. Standing in front of a crowd of fellow salmon supporters, environmental enthusiasts, and public lands protectors, Weston proudly presented his donation to help protect Idaho’s wild salmon.

At just six years old, Weston is finding his own way to make a difference, and in doing so, he’s part of something much bigger than himself. 

Across Idaho and the Pacific Northwest, young people are speaking up for salmon and the places they call home. Through ICL’s Youth Salmon Protectors program, young people are organizing events, educating their communities, meeting with elected officials, and advocating for a future where wild salmon and steelhead can thrive. 

Weston may be the youngest Youth Salmon Protector yet! 

His story is also a reminder that conservation is something that we pass from one generation to the next. A grandfather shared his love for wild places with his grandson, an experienced fisheries scientist generously shared his knowledge, and a young person experienced the wonder of Idaho’s wild salmon for the first time. 

Protecting Idaho’s wild salmon isn’t just about the fish that we see today. It is about ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to stand at Marsh Creek, and watch salmon build a redd. Every generation deserves a future with wild salmon returning to Idaho's rivers, where Tribal Treaty Rights are honored, and our rivers run free. 

Take action today, and help protect wild salmon for future generations.