This means that they are born in inland streams but migrate to the Pacific before returning again to reproduce. The most prominent species in Oregon are the Western brook and Pacific lamprey (the fish I saw so many years ago was probably the smaller brook lamprey species). Taking those things into consideration, I cannot think of a more appropriate species for us to display than lamprey. We focus on creatures that are a part of high desert ecosystems, critters that have scientific importance, are of particular conservation concern, that have an interesting biology or natural history, and animals with a strong connection to culture. There some clear characteristics we look for in the kinds of animals we display at the High Desert Museum as we strive to connect people to wildlife. It wasn’t until years later that I realized what I’d seen was not a reptile at all, but rather a very unique and special fish called a lamprey. It was long and slender and it undulated as it swam, almost slithering through the water like a snake. It was a silly thing to be afraid of the creature was only about four inches long, but was unlike anything I had ever seen before. Startled, I leapt on top of the closest boulder to get my feet out of the water as an alien-looking little brown creature emerged from the depths and into the sunlight, passing by the rock I was perched on as it found its way downstream. As I waded along a flicker of movement caught my eye in the deeper water to my left. I wanted to see fish and insects and needed to find undisturbed water to do so. On one particular visit to a local creek as a child I wandered downstream from the splashing and noise of other kids swimming in the shallows. All kinds of unique animals live in and along rivers, and especially as a kid it never took me long to find something I’d never seen before that would result in instant fascination. Riparian zones, the areas and vegetation adjacent to water, are extraordinarily rich places for life. A kid in a creek or on the banks of a river is a biologist whether they realize it or not. Flipping rocks to catch crayfish and caddisflies, chasing minnows in the shallows, and watching salmon spawn on wide gravel beds under gin clear water are the kind of memories that filled my childhood. Even when I was very young, I remember loving the smell and sound of water.
There is something special about a river that resonates with most people.
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