Duke’s and Stewardship Partners, a “Dirty” and Delicious Partnership
By Amy Waeschle
Where can you go where sipping delicious wine saves salmon? For the month of April, Duke’s! Duke’s partners with Stewardship Partners, a non-profit organization helping to promote “salmon-safe” farming practices. “Things like switching to drip irrigation, which saves water, and tricking pests into eating something else, which reduces their dependency on pesticides,” says David Burger, executive director of Stewardship Partners, an organization engaging Puget Sound communities as caretakers of their land and waterways. Stewardship Partners co-manages the Salmon-Safe program in Puget Sound.
Duke’s is featuring two wineries with the Salmon-Safe label this month: Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Cold Creek vineyard, and Erath Vineyards. For every bottle of these Salmon-Safe wines purchased, Duke’s will donate $1 to Stewardship Partners. Chateau Ste. Michelle is also donating $1 for every bottle sold.
Whiskey lovers can sip and save, too. Duke’s will be featuring a house-made Whiskey Sour crafted with local favorite Woodinville Whiskey Co.’s Applewood Stave-Finished bourbon. We’ll donate $1 for every craft Whisky Sour purchased; and Woodinville Whisky Co. will too, doubling your donation.
Not only are we showcasing Salmon-Safe wine this month, we’re getting down in the dirt. On April 18th, Duke’s team of 23 managers, chefs, and even Duke himself will be shoveling dirt and planting trees alongside Stewardship Partners volunteers to help restore salmon habitat on the banks of the Snoqualmie River.
Saving salmon is dirty work. The volunteers from Stewardship Partners and Duke’s Seafood & Chowder on the banks of the Snoqualmie River, WA
The Snoqualmie River is the last remaining stronghold for wild Chinook salmon in King County, meaning it is the only King County river without hatcheries and is the only river in King County managed to support wild fish.
Lack of healthy river habitat remains one of the Chinook’s biggest challenges. By planting native trees and shrubs along the banks of the Snoqualmie, we are providing shady spots where fish love to hide, and reducing farm runoff because the tree’s roots act like filters. Local farmers also benefit from a healthy riparian buffer because it helps control the flooding of their land. “Everyone wins,” says Duke Moscrip. “The fish, the local farmers, and salmon-lovers.”
“It’s about making a connection,” says Burger. “We’re out there turning dirt, restoring the land while watching salmon jump. We’re building a legacy.”
So come on down to Duke’s in the month of April, where every sip saves salmon. Or if you feel like getting dirty, check Stewardship Partners’ volunteer calendar for a planting event near you.