Supawna Meadows (N.J.) National Wildlife Refuge hosted a youth fishing program June 12 that targeted youth between the ages of 8 and 16 years old. The educational focus was on fishing techniques, ethical fishing, environmental stewardship, fish biology and safety. The children in attendance had an opportunity to practice fishing with adult help and then compete in the afternoon fishing derby. The class was led by Friends of Supawna Meadows President Jim Ziemba and summer interns Mike Korn, Faron Moser, and volunteer George Rittenhouse. Thirty-seven children participated.

The Youth Fishing Derby in the afternoon was a huge success with 101 children, accompanied by 87 adults, participating. The pond was stocked two days before the event by the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife Hackettstown State Fish Hatchery, and the children caught a total of 197 fish. A visit from the Blue Goose and Teddy Roosevelt thrilled the young and the young at heart. Successful anglers got a Polaroid picture of themselves and their first fish. Winning competitors got prizes for the largest fish caught and the most fish caught. The children were delighted with fishing rods, tackle boxes and sport chairs for raffle prizes.

Three teachers from the Salem Middle School brought 16 students to both the morning and afternoon programs as a class field trip. Salem is one of the five poorest school districts in New Jersey, and most of the students had never fished before. After learning to fish in the morning, the students were very excited about the derby. One student won a fishing rod for catching the biggest fish of the day, a 19½ inch catfish. A teacher called the office to tell us how much the children enjoyed the day and that they plan to visit the refuge again.

Lunch was prepared by the Friends of Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge. Hot dogs, soft pretzels, chips and drinks were on the menu.

The event gave 105 youth participants and 90 adults a chance to learn about fishing techniques and ethics, environmental stewardship, fish biology and fishing safety. They also learned about the mission and purpose of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the Service, and the role played by the Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge.

NORTHEAST REGION, U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE -- Conserving the Nature of the Northeast