Our chapter has always recognized the importance of educating the public about the importance of cold, clean water and its significance in supporting a healthy population of aquatic life. Fishing, and more significantly fly fishing, is often employed as the link which opens the door to creating an understanding of aquatic ecology and the need to preserve, protect and restore our coldwater resources.
The following links will highlight some of the educational resources we employ to educate a variety of audiences, from the very young to those in their senior years.
Trout In the Classroom
Trout (or Salmon) in the Classroom (TIC or SIC) offers students of all ages a chance to raise Salmonids in a classroom setting and then release them into a nearby stream or river. Caring for the fish fosters a conservation ethic in the students, and the act of walking to a streambank and directly releasing the fingerlings into the water makes a concrete connection between caring for the fish and caring for the water.
Rivers Conservation and Fly Fishing Youth Camp
The purpose of the camp is to educate students in the importance of coldwater conservation. Our graduates will be the leaders of their communities in years to come. It is important for them to recognize the importance of clean water and how it relates to everyday living. The curriculum has been structured to provide the foundation for that education. Classes include principles of ecology, hydrogeology, wetlands, trout stream entomology, aquatic invertebrates, hydrology, watersheds, the biology of pollution, trout behavior, reptiles and amphibians, acid deposition, the politics of conservation, and the effects of humans on the Chesapeake Bay. Instructors lead streamside programs to collect aquatic invertebrates, review angling history, electro fishing, and conducting field identification of riparian corridors. The Camp provides a balance of instructional material and hands-on learning.
Of the many benefits that cold water conservation provides, the primary one enjoyed by students of the camp is fly fishing. As the camp is located on the famous Yellow Breeches Creek in South Central Pennsylvania, the students have daily opportunities to try and fool these clever trout in a beautiful environment. Students at the camp are privileged to have the opportunity to learn from experienced fly fishermen (and women!). Many of the instructors are professional fishing guides, entomologists, casting instructors and fly tyers.
Camp is limited to boys and girls between 14 and 17. If you would like to have fun, work hard, and engage in a unique experience, get your application in early. Our application process begins on November 1st. Up to 32 students will be selected to attend. We look forward to receiving your application. Applications are available on the Rivers Camp website.
Additional Programs:
In addition to the formal TIC and Youth Camp programs, CVTU hosts an annual fly tying class in coordination with South Middleton Township during the Winter. These classes are open to all ages and experience levels from beginner to expert. We also host guest speakers at each of our membership meetings, held on the third Wednesday of the Month. Speakers range from local experts who give presentations about the ecology and conservation efforts on our local waters to nationally recognized authors and guides who share their extensive fishing and environmental knowledge on waters ranging anywhere from our local neighborhoods to our National Parks both near and far to International experiences for sometimes exotic species.
Cold Water Stream Ecology:
My Healthy Stream: My Healthy Stream is a handbook provided by Trout Unlimited with the intent of providing practical and scientifically sound guidance on the stewardship of small streams and riparian areas. The new edition includes a chapter on urban stream rehabilitation. Other chapters discuss values of healthy streams, establishing riparian buffer zones, dealing with invasive species, trout habitat needs, stream restoration techniques and dealing with floods and droughts. Hard copies of the 2nd Edition are available thru the TU National Website.