The Lake Sammamish Elks Lodge, at 765 Rainier Blvd. N. in Issaquah, will host a Trout Unlimited of Bellevue-Issaquah event for Kokanee trout preservation in Lake Sammamish. They will also host a separate hold-em’ poker tournament. The event will be on Friday evening, Jan. 15 starting at 5:30 p.m., with the tournament commencing after 6 p.m. Everyone, including youth, is invited.

A donation of $50 will be asked at the door to fund needed projects for restoration of habitat and revival of the remaining Kokanee population in the lake. Trout Unlimited is also seeking volunteers for planned and ongoing conservation and education projects. A free buffet featuring Alaskan Cod, French fries, coleslaw and a dessert will be served. A silent auction will feature Trout Unlimited gear, as well as sports, and fish and wildlife items.

The kokanee trout in Lake Sammamish are in decline and under consideration to be listed as an endangered species. Only a few returned to the tributary creeks to spawn last year and few are returning this winter.