Inland Empire Water Garden & Koi Society

CLUB HISTORY

The Inland Empire Water Garden & Koi Society was established to promote the hobby of water gardening, the keeping of ornamental fish, to disseminate information about the above to the membership, to engage in the educational and social activities related to our purposes, and to develop an inventory that will augment and support our vision.

Our society has had membership of over 500 families since its beginning in 1996, which provides the opportunity to fraternize with those of similar interests. Our members' experience ranges from those who are contemplating a pond, to those who have just recently built their first pond, and to those who have many years of experience. Some of our members have water gardens ranging from oak barrels containing plants and fish to ponds with waterfalls, plants, koi and/or goldfish. The designs are unique with a common theme: a place of relaxation where family and friends can enjoy the beautiful sights and sounds of what we like to call “our little paradise”. Our club also has a number of members who are very active in the development and competitive showing of fish at regional Koi and Goldfish Shows. Several members have completed the Koi Health Advisor course offered only to Koi Club members affiliated with the Associated Koi Clubs of America.

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION

With our members having such a variety of interests, the experience and advice of club members is invaluable, especially to the beginner. The best way to learn more about water gardening, koi and goldfish is to be involved in a club such as ours. And there is no better time to join than before the pond is built so the beginner can benefit from our members experiences and, yes, mistakes.

Our club meets the first Wednesday of each month, except December and January. Meetings are usually held at the Manito Park meeting room next to the conservatory. Weather permitting, we will be at a member's pond. Meetings generally are from 6:30 to 9:00 PM and provide an opportunity to socialize as well as an educational program regarding the hobby. Check out "Our Next Meeting" page to get directions to our next meeting. Note: Visitors are ALWAYS welcome!

Our members also receive ten to eleven monthly newsletters which contain great articles on pond construction, filter systems, water quality, selecting and caring for fish, water plants plus many other related topics.

ACTIVITIES TO ENJOY

Each year our club is involved in a number of exciting activities, such as the Garden Expo, Japan Week, Pond Tour, and our annual Koi & Goldfish Show.

For the first time in 2008 we had an informational booth and a show tank for the opening day of Japan Week (April 19, 2008) as well as an informational booth at the re-dedication of the Nishinomiya-Tsutakawa Memorial Garden (the Japanese Garden and Pond in Manito Park). Japan Week, April 19 - 26th, is an annual Japanese cultural event here in Spokane, Washington.

One of our most important community activities has been to "adopt" the pond in the Nishinomiya Tsutakawa Memorial Garden (the Japanese garden in Manito Park). Starting in 2005 a major cleaning of the pond and koi health check was done. This was the first clean out of the pond since it was built in 1974. Our club members continue to volunteer their time by doing an annual health check of the Koi residing therein, as well as checking on the need of another major clean up of the pond itself. This health check and pond clean out was on May 31st for 2008.

Sadley, a few of koi had died over the winter of 2007-2008. As the weather warmed up in the spring of 2008, more and more koi started dying. Koi health checks were done and finally testing for diseases was done. It was found that the koi had Koi Herpes Virus (KHV), a virus that is fatal to koi. Spokane lost all of the koi in the pond due to this disease. It is thought that KHV was introduced to the pond by someone "donating" goldfish or koi to the pond without permission. Goldfish can be carriers of KHV and if a koi survives KHV, it can be a carrier also. No koi or goldfish should ever be introduced to the pond by individuals! A quarantine process needs to be followed before any koi are introduced. This is what was done to the 30 koi that were donated by members of our club last fall. The pond itself had to be disinfected and dried out before any koi could be placed back in the pond. The koi that were donated underwent a rigorous health check and quarantine procedure.

We now have 30 koi residing in the pond. These are being carefully watched for any signs of illness.   Further updates on the koi in the pond will be posted here as we have news to share.

UPDATE: JUNE 15, 2009:

At our last health check and clean out of the pond (May 30, 2009) it was discovered that we again had goldfish in the pond. This could mean the death of our koi. Please spread help spread the word to not place any fish in the pond!

We lost 4 of our koi due to predator attacks (heron and raccoon). We have 26 heathly koi in the pond at this time. The citizens of Spokane own these koi so let's all do our part to help educate others as to how to keep these koi healthy -

As you can see, our club is very active in both club and community activities. We are always looking for opportunities to promote our wonderful hobby and would like to extend the invitation to you to join us!