By Cathy Miller

In mid-October, a Free Fishing Day event in Alumni Field, in Hackettstown, was a hit with local youngsters who got some hands-on lessons in how to catch that “elusive one.”

For this event the Musconetcong Watershed Association partnered with PEACE NJ and Trout Unlimited to offer families and those new to fishing the opportunity to learn all about the sport from representatives of each organization. Dove Environmental Education was on hand to inspire understanding and conservancy in the attendees.

In the photo above, Jim Kinney, from Califon, president of the local chapter of Trout Unlimited, teaches casting to Javier Garcia, seven years old, of Hackettstown. His sister Elisa, three years old, also got some first-hand instruction. After their lessons, the whole family strolled down to the riverbank for some real fishing, followed by a pizza break under the Pavilion.

For more information about the participating organizations:

Musconetcong Watershed Association, 10 Maple Avenue, Asbury, NJ 08802
(908) 537-7060…www.musconetcong.org

The Musconetcong Watershed Association (MWA) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and improving the quality of the Musconetcong River and its watershed, including its natural and cultural resources.

PEACE NJ (People Enjoying Active Conservation of the Environment in New Jersey)
(908) 441-8808…www.peacenj.org

A non-profit organization, PEACE NJ promotes environmental awareness and stewardship of natural resources by engaging all members of the community in educational programs, sustainable practices and recreational activities. Through connections with public and private partners, they provide needed resources, expertise and opportunities.

Trout Unlimited
www.tu.org

Trout Unlimited is a US non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of freshwater streams, rivers, and associated upland habitats for trout, salmon, other aquatic species, and people. The organization was founded in 1959 in Michigan and is currently headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, with chapters throughout the US.

Dove Environmental Education
(908) 763-9648…dianadove13@gmail.com

Dove Environmental Education offers instruction in 30 areas, including marine science and New Jersey wildlife programs, for all ages. For more details, PM Diana Dove on her Facebook page.