USFWS biologists Michelle Workman and Zac Jackson provided information on habitat restoration and Chinook salmon life history at the Merced River Fair. - Photo Credit: USFWS

The Merced River Fair was held on June 2, 2012 on the banks of the Merced River in Livingston, California. This annual event is hosted by local farmers, the East Merced Conservation District, and UC Merced, along with other local organizations.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Anadromous Fish Restoration Program, along with the California Department of Fish and Game, the National Park Service, River Partners, FishBio, Cramer Fish Sciences, and Merced Irrigation District also participated in this event to educate the public and local community about restoration activities on the Merced River. It was a great opportunity for the local agricultural community and other stakeholders along the Merced River to engage with local biologists and learn about various ongoing restoration activities.

Hayrides filled with children of all ages made their way through the organic cherry orchard and blueberry patch down to the riverbank where they were greeted by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service biologists Zac Jackson and Michelle Workman. Their booth offered coloring books, information on invasive species, and a photo-journal of current habitat restoration efforts on the Merced River. The biologist's also discussed past, current, and proposed restoration projects on the Merced River that were funded by the Anadromous Fish Restoration Program and answered questions about the San Joaquin River Restoration Program as well. Off-site tours of the Merced River Ranch restoration project were also part of the day’s events.