School will soon be coming to a close, but there’s still time to visit Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery for a great day of hands-on learning! So if you are an educator looking to bring a group of students out for a trout-tastic day of outdoor play, there’s still time to make your plans! Whether you have an hour to spare or all day, our staff will work to ensure you and your group enjoy a wonderful day of fun-filled activities that will better connect your students to the natural world around them. For more information, or to schedule a date, please contact Amanda Patrick, Environmental Education/Outreach Specialist, at 270-343-3797 or via email: Amanda_Patrick@fws.gov
In addition to offering a myriad of field trip/group visit opportunities, the hatchery also has some great outreach events and trainings coming up, including the following.
Did you know that poison hemlock, which is not a native flower, is so toxic that consuming just three leaves will kill you? Or perhaps you like a dose of “poke salad” in the spring or go on the annual “dry land fish” hunt. Humans and plants have a fascinating history. Over time, people have affected plants through artificial selection (think black tulip) and plants have affected us (think orchid thieves). More than forty percent of our current pharmaceuticals are plant derived, and how many people know that four native wild grapes saved the wine industry in France? Does taking ginseng really work? If you’re looking to learn more about wildflowers, including their myths and realities, then don’t miss out as author Thomas Barnes will tell many fascinating plant stories and also discuss what is happening to our rare plants in Kentucky. The Friends of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery, Inc will also offer copies of Barnes’s books for sale in the gift shop as well. Mark your calendars now as the program will take place on Saturday, May 8th, 2010 at the Visitor/Environmental Education Center. The program will begin at 2 p.m. CST and conclude at 3:30 p.m. CST. There is no charge as the presentation is free and open to the public.
For those individuals interested in learning how to fly fish, Wolf Creek is also offering a great event on Saturday, May 15th, 2010! In partnership with the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education (KAEE) and the Louisville, KY based chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU), the hatchery will serve as host for the 3rd Annual Terrific Trout Trek! The event, which will begin at 9:30 a.m. CST, includes a behind the scenes tour of Wolf Creek National Fish Hatchery followed by a homemade picnic luncheon with the hatchery manager and some hands on work with our fish production team. Learn all about the day of a hatchery worker by feeding some hungry trout, learning how to sample count and more. Cap off your day with some fantastic, hands on trout fishing along the Cumberland River from 1 p.m. CST – 4 p.m. CST. Instruction will be provided by members of the Louisville, KY based chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU). Please come prepared with chest waders and your Kentucky fishing license with trout permit. All fly fishing gear provided but those with their own gear are encouraged to bring it. The cost is $30.00 per KAEE member and $45.00 per KAEE non-member registrant. To register, visit http://www.kaee.org to register online. You may also contact Amanda Patrick at 270-343-3797 or via email at Amanda_Patrick@fws.gov for more information on registering.
Have you ever wanted to learn more about photography? Are you an
avid fan of the outdoors as well? If so, here is the perfect class for
you! Join us on Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 for a Fundamentals of
Nature Photography Workshop. You do not need elaborate or
expensive equipment for this workshop; however, a working
knowledge of your camera is required. Just bring your digital camera,
a tripod (if you have one) and a love for the outdoors. You will
receive instruction about equipment and some basic photography
techniques to help build your skill level. Class will also cover ethics of
naturephotography and creating a great outdoor photograph. During
a guided nature walk, you will have a hands-on opportunity to
photograph nature’s diverse beauty along the Cumberland River, so
come capture the vibrant colors and new life of spring. The class,
which will be led by local photographer Kim Graham, will start at 8
a.m. CST and will conclude at 12 noon CST. The cost is $35.00,
which includes all instructional materials and an 8 x 10 print of your
favorite shot you took during the class. Participants need to
bring their own camera. Please contact Environmental
Education/Outreach Specialist Amanda Patrick at 270-343-3797 or
via email at Amanda_Patrick@fws.gov to register for the event.
To learn more about programs at the hatchery, including ways to better connect your family and friends with the outdoors and/or how to become a volunteer, please contact Amanda Patrick, Environmental Education/Outreach Specialist, at 270-343-3797 or via email: Amanda_Patrick@fws.gov
