In November 2000, wild Atlantic salmon were placed under the protection of the Endangered Species Act of 1973. Washington Academy (WA) in Maine has played an integral role in the education and restoration of this species. Efforts to restore the salmon's dwindling population, enhance critical habitat areas, and educate and inform the public require WA to collaborate with local watershed councils. These include the University of Maine at Machias (UMM); state and federal governmental agencies; and nongovernmental organizations (NGO) such as Project Salmon Habitat and River Enhancement (SHARE), the Atlantic Salmon Federation, and the Downeast Salmon Federation. For the past 10 years WA students have participated in the "Salmon in the Schools Program", sponsored by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Craig Brook National Fish Hatchery in East Orland, Maine. In addition to releasing salmon fry into the headwaters of the East Machias River, students perform physical, chemical, and biological analysis of the river. Students measure temperature, pH, alkalinity, phosphates, nitrates, dissolved oxygen, and biological oxygen demand. Students also assess water quality by surveying for macroinvertebrate biodiversity. They rely on personal knowledge, interviews, and maps to assess land uses within the watershed and identify nonpoint sources of pollution. The entire collection of data is interpreted in relation to the habitat needs of the Atlantic salmon and summarized in a formal report. Test results indicate that pH, alkalinity, and at times temperature, are cause for concern.