With the fall leaves right around the corner, Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery has some great upcoming workshops and outreach opportunities to help you get outdoors and enjoy the great weather September is sure to bring! 
                                      
For those seeking to learn the secrets and art to nature painting, the hatchery will offer a Nature Painting Workshop on Saturday, September 13th, 2008.  This workshop will definitely show you that you can learn to paint and will be led by instructor Gail Alford.  No matter whether you can draw a straight line or not, this will workshop will teach you basic, simple techniques and will prove you can learn to paint! 

The event will run from 9:00am – 1:00pm CST at the hatchery, and the cost is $15.00 per person.  This includes canvas board, paint and pattern.  Tracing paper and brushes will also be available for use during the class.  Participants will need to bring two #2 lead pencils, a blue ink ball point pen, a ruler and a quart jar or clean can for water along with plenty of paper towels.  Participants are also encouraged to bring a snack due to class duration.    
 
In keeping with the nature art theme, the hatchery will also host an Autumn Fabric Painting Workshop on Saturday, September 20th, 2008.  Enjoy a day of crafty creating as instructor Mary Shear leads you in designing your own fall inspired painted sweatshirt.  The event will begin at 9:00am and will conclude at 12noon CT, and the cost is $8.00 per person.  Students will need to bring a sweatshirt of their choice (at least 50% cotton but 100% preferably). 

Students are also asked to pre-wash it and are asked to not use a fabric softener or dryer sheet when washing.  Students are also encouraged to press the sweatshirt in preparation for painting.  The instructor will furnish a shirt board and paint.  Students will also need to bring a fabric brush, either a #4 or #6 flat or round. 

If students do not own one, the instructors will have some to lend.  As a quick reminder too - To help better prepare for the above two mentioned events, pre-registration is highly encouraged.

Its not just art being offered at the hatchery, though, in September.  Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery is also pleased and excited to offer two very special fishing events for Russell and Clinton counties!
 
On Wednesday, September 24th, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon CST, Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery will sponsor a Seniors Fishing Rodeo.  The event is free and is open to anyone 62 years of age or older.  Registration will begin at 9:00am CST. 

Hamburgers and other refreshments will be provided, and several door prizes will also be given away.  All Kentucky Sport Fishing Regulations will apply, and seniors must bring their own fishing gear and bait. It’s sure to be a day of great fishing fun, so come on out and enjoy an exciting day of trout fishing!
 
Following the senior event, the hatchery will also sponsor a Special Kids Fishing Derby for students from Russell and Clinton counties on Thursday, September 25th, 2008, from 9:00am to 11:00am CST.  The event is free and is open area students who are severely disabled and have extra special needs. 

Hamburgers and other refreshments will be provided as will prizes.  All Kentucky Sport Fishing Regulations will apply, and participants will have access to rods, reels and bait as part of the day’s activities.  Participants may also bring their own fishing tackle and bait if they choose.  Pre-registration will be conducted through the local school district and is required for event attendance. 
 
Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery is proud to sponsor educational workshops and events that help the public learn more about our incredible natural and cultural heritage.  For information on these or other programs at the hatchery, or how you can be involved as a volunteer, please contact Amanda Patrick, Environmental Education/Outreach Specialist, at 270-343-3797 or via email (Amanda_Patrick@fws.gov).