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All three hatcheries in the Leavenworth Fisheries Complex rely on volunteer support during the busy summer months through our Hatchery Host program. Hosts volunteer 20 hours per week in exchange for an RV/trailer pad with full hookups. There are a variety of host opportunities including helping with projects around the hatchery, giving tours, supporting education programs, and helping staff care for our fish.
We’ve been fortunate to have some amazing hosts, many of them returning for multiple years. Among them is Stacy Turner, a remarkable individual who has left an indelible mark at Winthrop National Fish Hatchery in Winthrop, Washington. Turner has spent the past five summers greeting visitors, conducting hatchery tours, and supporting events and field trips. Her enthusiasm for sharing knowledge is infectious, and she excels at distilling complex information, customizing each visit to meet the needs of the group. She emphasizes the importance of engaging with visitors and often encourages them to return for various events at the hatchery.
Highlights of Turner’s time at the hatchery include the joy of engaging with school field trips and the excitement of Winthrop Kids Fishing Day. However, her favorite memories revolve around the relationships she has built with visitors.
"I have become lifelong friends with some of the visitors because I see them every summer when they visit the hatchery," she shared, highlighting the connections that make her experience fulfilling.
As Turner prepares for retirement, she has plans to return to her family property to undertake some repairs, establish a garden, and help clean her mother's house. Once settled, she looks forward to traveling again, cherishing the adventures that await.
For those considering becoming a hatchery host, Turner has some encouraging words: "There are lots of different sites and locations, and you don’t have to go back to the same hatchery every time," she advises. "Anyone who loves talking to people, this is the gig for you!"
Her enthusiasm is palpable as she recounts the rewards of giving tours and sharing knowledge with visitors. "I’ve learned so much from being here and asking questions," she adds. "The staff are happy to answer, so do not be afraid to ask!"
Turner’s dedication and passion have made her an integral part of the Winthrop National Fish Hatchery community. As she embarks on this new chapter, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for her countless hours of service and the warmth she has brought to the hatchery. Though she will be missed, her legacy of kindness and commitment to education will continue to inspire both visitors and staff alike. Stacy plans to return whenever she can and hopes to continue volunteering at events in the future. Turner will be deeply missed, and we thank her for all her time at the hatchery!
If you are interested in becoming a hatchery host, please visit for current opportunities.
About the hatchery
The next time you go fishing, you might just catch a salmon that was raised at Winthrop National Fish Hatchery. Producing fish continues to be an irreplaceable tool in managing or restoring fisheries along with habitat conservation. In doing so, we help provide recreation opportunities to America’s 39.9 million anglers who spend $99.4 billion annually in pursuit of their favored pastime. Learn more about Winthrop National Fish Hatchery!
Since 1871, the National Fish Hatchery System has been at work improving recreational fishing and restoring aquatic species that are in decline, at risk, and are important to the health of our aquatic systems. Across the country, the network of national fish hatcheries work with states and tribes to conserve, restore and enhance the fish and aquatic resources of America for future generations.
