Historical Fish Hatchery Set to Inspire Kids, Protect Habitat

After the Puyallup Fish Hatchery earned a spot in the National Register of Historic Places, the foundation seeking to preserve it has been hard at work.

The Puyallup Historical Hatchery Foundation (PHHF) earned 501c(3) status in April, making all donations tax-deductible. Money will go towards making the hatchery even more kid-friendly.

“The educational part of it is huge,” PHHF treasurer Patty Carter said. “We are going to have a certain amount of our funding dedicated to field trips from schools around the area.”

Donations will also go to the construction of an educational center within an unoccupied portion of a duplex on the hatchery’s property. There are plans to add in a wheelchair-accessible ramp and bathroom, as well as a film screening area and displays on the walls. Carter hopes the renovation will be complete by September.

In contrast, the main hatchery building remains largely intact from its construction in the late 1940s. It still uses the same heating and refrigeration techniques as that time period. The foundation plans to restore the facility to its original state.

“The foundation’s set up to go on long after we’re gone, so those who love it can continue to work on making it work,” Carter said.

The water supply is gravity fed and comes from a spring uphill. The hatchery has raised varieties of trout and salmon, and according to PHHF director and Puyallup city councilman Steve Vermillion, it will raise steelhead and coho salmon going forward. It stocks lakes in Pierce, King and Thurston Counties.

Those interested in donating to the foundation may send checks to:

Puyallup Historical Hatchery Foundation

2011 5th Avenue SW

Puyallup, WA 98371