The River

Straddling the border between the US and Canada, the Skagit Watershed is a haven for sea creatures. The “Magic Skagit” is in peril: the ways of life it has sustained for the communities along its shores are faltering under years of settler disruption, and upstream, its headwaters originate in a pool of unprotected land threatened by extractive industries. Still, there’s hope in numbers: a cross-border coalition of federal, Tribal, and political leadership on all levels, dedicated to saving the Skagit River.

“You must have cleaned a lot of fish.” I say. // “I think we cleaned out all of Puget Sound...”

Won’t be long before all the fish are gone, then the cannery will go, and all we’ll have is hunger and sorrow.”

This season, we’re excited to collaborate with The Slowdown, hosted by Ada Limón. From American Public Media – and in partnership with The Poetry Foundation – The Slowdown delivers a different way to see the world: through poetry. Listen here.

Take Action:

• Follow Rena’s work, and get her new collection of poetry, at RenaPriest.com
• Learn more about Amy’s work with the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community at Swinomish-nsn.gov
• Stay up to date with Washington Wild’s conservation efforts at WAWild.org