Salmon in the Trees

Amy Gulick is a nationally known conservation writer and nature photographer who lives in the Cascade foothills but journeys far to capture astonishing images. Her most recent book, "Salmon in the Trees: Life in Alaska's Tongass Rain Forest" (Braided River, $29.95), shows millions of wild fish under the dense canopy of an unimaginably lush wilderness. As the salmon spawn and die, they feed a steady parade of wildlife (bears, wolves) and, as the fish decompose, their bodies are absorbed by the vegetation. Hence the notion that the salmon really are "in the trees."

The Burke Museum has an exhibit of 15 photographs from the book (through February 13th) and, this Tuesday (November 16th), is the site of a sold out dinner to honor Gulick.

The event's organizers are a who's who of Seattle seafood: local "Food Hero" Jon Rowley, catch-and-release enthusiast Kevin Davis (chef and co-owner of Steelhead Diner and Blueacre Seafood), and longline fisherman Bruce Gore. Davis will team up with his chef de cuisine at Steelhead Diner, Anthony Polizzi for the feast: oysters, wild salmon, Dungeness crab, spot prawns and more.

Rowley's invitation says, "For anyone who appreciates the iconic taste of wild salmon, Amy Gulick's photos capture the mystery and fragility of the astonishing connection of salmon with trees and trees with salmon. Her images are so beautiful, I had to brush a tear when I first saw them."

The dinner, at 6 PM on November 16th, costs $75, which includes the meal itself (beverages, tax & tip included) as well as a signed copy of Gulick's book. Dinner reservations on Brown Paper Tickets, by midnight tonight.

The Burke Museum is on the University of Washington campus at 17th Avenue NE and NE 45th Street; telephone 206-543-5590. The museum is open daily from 10 to 5; admission is free.