Partners and smiling children holding fishing poles make the St. Marks NWR second annual Kids Fishing Clinic a great success. Held on May 22, 2004 at Wooley Park in Panacea, Florida, the event was well attended with 183 kids (ages 4-15) plus parents, and 30 volunteers. Refuge Ranger David Moody, who organized the clinic, stated "I feel like this program benefit's the Service and society in many ways. It initiates contact with citizens of the local towns and communities. This contact spurs communication channels and builds a priceless relationship for refuge management. This event also attracts a diverse audience that is not typical of other events and promotes parent child interaction." Panacea is traditionally a commercial fishing community that borders the refuge, and many of the families depend on natural resources for their income. The majority of clinic attendees were from the local area. This free clinic enables young people to learn the basics in environmental stewardship, fishing ethics, angling skills, and safety. Five learning stations are set up and families move through each station every 8 minutes. The last station teaches casting, then each youth receives a free rod and reel. Live shrimp are provided on the fishing pier for bait. The learning stations and fishing pier were manned by volunteers who provided support, instruction, and hands on assistance. Refuge staff worked an education booth aimed at increasing awareness of local sea grass beds and their importance to healthy fish, manatees, and sea turtles.

Partners: Wakulla County Parks and Recreation- manages the Wooley Park facility.(bathrooms, electricity, garbage disposal, grounds, and pier) Provided EMS on standby at clinic.

State of Florida Marine Fisheries Division (Outreach and Education) -provided learning station material, displays, tents, touch tanks, and manages the overall flow of the event.

St. Marks NWR : St. Marks Refuge Association, Inc. donated money to purchase rods, reels, and food. Publix Stores Inc. donated food certificates. Provided lunch for everyone at the event. Had uniformed FWS Rangers answering questions and providing literature to the public. Issued news releases, distributed fliers, and solicited volunteers.

Our future goal is to expand the clinic and reach more families. Educating the next generation of fishing enthusiasts/ community supporters is essential to our mission.

David Moody, Refuge Ranger St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge