Press release from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission:
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is offering numerous outdoors-related events, clinics and workshops in July through the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education near Brevard.
All events, clinics and workshops are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted, and may require pre-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Nature Nuts: Raising Trout – July 5, 10 and 20, 9–11 a.m. For ages 4 through 7 years old. Spend the morning with staff and learn about the Bobby N. Setzer Trout Hatchery operations, participate in an outdoor activity that simulates trout life, and feed the fish.
Eco Explorers: Stream Investigation- July 5 and July 20, 1–3 p.m. For ages 8 through 13 years old. Come explore the Davidson River by looking for aquatic macro-invertebrates, determining the water quality of the river and learning how these little critters help trout by playing an important role in the ecosystem.
Women’s Introduction to Fly-Fishing – July 5, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. For ages 12 through adult. Learn the basics of fly-fishing. Topics include appropriate equipment, knots, casting techniques and aquatic entomology. Equipment and materials provided. Bring a lunch and non-slip shoes or waders. Limited to the first six participants.
Kids’ Introduction to Archery – July 6, 9–11 a.m. For ages 8 through 15. Come spend the morning with experienced staff and learn about archery. Topics will include safety, variations in bows and arrows, and lots of time practice shooting at targets.
A Week in the Water- July 8–12, 9 a.m.–noon. For ages 8 through 15. Enjoy a weeklong series of hands-on classes that focus on the art and skill of fly-fishing. Participants learn about equipment, knots, casting techniques and more. Spend the last two days of the week fishing the Davidson River.
Introduction to Fly-Fishing – July 13, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. For ages 12 and older. A day of fun and learning on the basics of fly-fishing. Topics covered will include equipment, knots, casting techniques and aquatic entomology. Equipment and materials provided. Bring a lunch and non-slip shoes or waders.
Outdoor Photography for the Beginner – July 19, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Ages 14 and older. This outdoor photography program teaches the basics, focusing on capturing images of wildlife and their habitats. Bring your camera and enjoy a morning of learning and picture-taking.
Fly-Fishing Skills: Casting for Beginners – July 23, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. For ages 12 and older. An introductory class with topics that include casting theory, mechanics and practice techniques. Experienced instructors allow you to learn at your own pace as they teach the overhead cast, roll cast and the art of false casting. Advanced instruction is available upon request. This class is held at Lake Imaging in DuPont State Forest. All equipment and materials are provided. Bring a lunch.
Pellet Rifle Shooting Range – July 25 9–11 a.m. For ages 8 and older. Learn about firearm safety and shooting. This program will focus on different types of firearms and how to handle them properly. The program concludes with shooting skills practice at an outdoor pellet rifle range.
Introduction to Fly-Fishing on the Lake – July 26, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. For ages 12 and older. Learn the basics of fly-fishing while fishing on a local lake. Topics covered will include equipment, knots, casting techniques and aquatic entomology. Equipment and materials provided. Bring a lunch and meet at Buck Forest parking area in DuPont State Forest. Limited to first six participants who have completed Intro to Fly-Fishing or have equivalent experience.
Gone Fishin’- July 27, 9–11 a.m. For ages 5 through 12. Enjoy a relaxing morning of fishing on Lake Dense. Learn fishing skills, water safety and fishing regulations. Equipment provided. Families will meet at High Falls parking area and enjoy a hayride to the lake. You may register for one “Gone Fishin’” program per summer. Limited to 25 participants.
Stream Investigation – July 27, 9–11 a.m. For ages 8 and older. Explore the Davidson River by looking for aquatic macro-invertebrates, determining the water quality of the river and learning how these little critters help trout by playing an important role in the ecosystem.
For events and workshops requiring pre-registration, call 828-877-4423 or sign up online.
For more information on the programs and activities, the four learning centers operated by the Wildlife Commission and enjoying North Carolina’s wildlife and habitats, visitwww.ncwildlife.org/enjoying.
The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is located near Brevard, just south of Asheville, alongside the Davidson River in Transylvania County. The center features nature trails and five large aquariums representing different aquatic habitats. Visitors to the center also can walk next door to the Bobby N. Setzer Fish Hatchery, where trout are raised in 54 raceways. The center’s hours of operation through November are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
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