The Eel River watershed has always been a source of inspiration, resilience, and collaboration—and nowhere was that clearer than at this year’s first ever Eel River Expo: A Source to Sea Community Celebration, hosted by CalTrout in collaboration with Rotary Club of Eureka. It wasn't just any old event; it was a celebration of the people and partnerships working toward a shared vision: a healthy, abundant, and free-flowing Eel River for generations to come.

Artist Obi Kauffman created incredible illustrations of salmon and the watershed for the event posters and banners. You can view more of his artwork and the Eel River Vision Book below.

Whether you’re a scientist, student, rancher, biologist, trail builder, or teacher—our community of practice spans a wide spectrum. And yet, we’re united by the same driving force: restoring, conserving, and reconnecting with this incredible river system. Thank you to everyone who was able to join us in-person or who participated virtually via our Eel River Photo Contest! If you couldn’t make it, check out some highlights below. 

Highlights from the Eel River Expo 

The weekend was packed with inspiration, learning, and a lot of fun. Here are a few of our favorite highlights: 

• Congressman Jared Huffman: Spoke passionately to a packed house about dam decommissioning at Potter Valley and equitable water security. 

• Eel River Photo Contest : Community members voted for their favorite photo taken in the Eel River watershed, capturing the watershed’s beauty through many different lenses. (See below for all the winners!) 

• The Salmon Parade (yes, with a marching band) : A joyful tribute to our iconic fish and the people working to protect them and Bandemonium brass band. 

• Humboldt County Farm Bureau : Shared insights on the intersection of agriculture and conservation, specifically the benefits of healthy soil. 

• Wiyot Tribe Natural Resources Team: Brought a live lamprey to share with visitors—then safely returned it to the river. 

• UC Berkeley researchers: Provided an up-close look at the non-native pikeminnow with specimens on ice and explained this predatory fishes’ impact on native species. 

• Cal Poly Humboldt graduate students Farrah Tyler and Rachel McAdams : Presented their Eel River research through powerful and informative poster displays. 

• Applied River Sciences : Offered valuable insights into flow levels and habitat health for native fish. 

• Trees Foundation : Helped us explore the world of native conifers in the watershed and their fascinating cones. 

• CCC Backcountry Trails Program : Brought out a real crosscut saw to show how they’ve been building access trails in the remote Yolla Bolly Wilderness.  

• Redwood TV News : Joined the celebration and shared this behind-the-scenes look into the event: First Eel River Expo Arrives With A Packed House and a Stark Warning From Congressman Jared Huffman | Local-news | redwoodnews.tv