We are writing a short story about a stickleback named Cedar who lives at Columbia Springs. Here is the first chapter! Stay tuned for more in the coming months.
**Chapter 1: Cedar’s Discovery**
In the heart of Columbia Springs, surrounded by a neighborhood of joyful homes and busy rail line, lay peaceful West Biddle Lake. Fed by crystal-clear spring waters, this beautiful lake sparkled under the sun, its surface gently rippling in the breeze. Surrounded by lush green plants and colorful wildflowers, it was a slice of nature in the middle of the city.
At one end of the lake, where the fresh spring water flowed in, there was a small dam. This dam helped manage the lake’s water for the historic Vancouver Trout Hatchery. The waters were used to raise rainbow trout, steelhead, and chum salmon, keeping these fish species alive and well for everyone to enjoy. The hatchery was a busy place, with workers tending to the fish and ensuring the waters remained clean and perfect for rearing young trout.
![IMG_8023](https://i0.wp.com/www.columbiasprings.org/wp-content/uploads/IMG_8023-scaled.jpg?resize=1080%2C810&ssl=1)
![Stickleback_Gasterosteus_aculeatus](https://i0.wp.com/www.columbiasprings.org/wp-content/uploads/Stickleback_Gasterosteus_aculeatus-scaled.jpg?resize=1080%2C810&ssl=1)
The shoreline of West Biddle Lake was lined with tall trees, their branches stretching towards the sky and providing shade and a home for many creatures. Ducks glided smoothly across the water, quacking softly. Birds chirped from the treetops, and squirrels darted along the branches, adding to the lively atmosphere. In this peaceful corner of the city, Cedar’s story began..
Born in the pristine waters of the spring-fed lake, Cedar was a tiny stickleback fish, her scales sparkling in the sunlight. With wide eyes and wiggly fins, she took her first swim, curious about the world around her. The water was full of tiny particles that shimmered and danced, and Cedar darted around, exploring her new home.
Cedar’s early days were filled with wonder and discovery. She learned to hide among the plants and rocks to stay safe from the predators that lurked nearby. One of the biggest threats was the great blue heron, a large bird with a sharp beak and long legs. Cedar watched as the herons would occasionally glide over the lake, their keen eyes scanning the water for a tasty meal. Whenever a heron appeared, Cedar would dart into the safety of the aquatic vegetation, blending in with the green and brown hues to avoid being spotted.
She nibbled on tiny bits of food floating in the water and played in the gentle currents that flowed through the lake. Every day brought new adventures, from chasing after tiny insects to exploring the dark, mysterious corners of the lake. Cedar learned to be quick and cautious, always on the lookout for heron shadows and the occasional splash that signaled a predator’s presence.
![Does He Have A Name?](https://i0.wp.com/www.columbiasprings.org/wp-content/uploads/Great-Blue-Heron-13-of-7.jpg?resize=1080%2C864&ssl=1)
![Going Fishing](https://i0.wp.com/www.columbiasprings.org/wp-content/uploads/Fish-Raceway-10-of-10-scaled.jpg?resize=1080%2C864&ssl=1)
One day, Cedar swam close to the dam and peered through the clear water at the hatchery. She saw trout of all sizes, from tiny fry like herself to larger, sleek fish. The hatchery workers moved among the round ponds and raceways, feeding the fish and making sure they were healthy. Cedar watched in awe, wondering if she would grow as big and strong as the trout one day.
Despite the bustling city just down river, West Biddle Lake remained a tranquil haven for Cedar. She felt safe and happy in her watery world, surrounded by the beauty of nature and the constant hum of life. As she swam through the cool waters, Cedar knew that her journey was just beginning. There were countless adventures waiting for her in the depths of the lake and beyond, and she couldn’t wait to discover them all. The world was vast and full of wonders, and Cedar was ready to dive in and experience it all.
Check back next month for another chapter in Cedar’s journey!
Photos:
West Biddle Lake – Kristine Jacobs
West Biddle Dam – Kristine Jacobs
Stickleback – JaySo83, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Great Blue Heron – Paul Peloquin
Fish Raceway – Paul Peloquin