Overcast skies and a light drizzle did not dampen the enthusiasm of the patrons of The Land of Goshen Community Market in Edwardsville, IL.  Several hundred people came out to buy locally grown produce and got an opportunity to see sturgeon and a USFWS trawl boat.  Colby Wrasse, Emily Kunz, and Patty Herman represented Columbia NFWCO at the farmer’s market, located just a few miles from the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. 

This was a unique opportunity to educate the community about the plight of pallid sturgeon and other issues surrounding their big rivers.  We talked with patrons about current activities such as the Pallid Sturgeon Recovery Project, Habitat Assessment Project and Mitigation efforts along the River.  Many people were unaware that sturgeons live in the Missouri and Mississippi rivers – most had never seen one.  A shortnose gar and flathead catfish were also in attendance for viewing. 

The “squishy” sturgeon and magnetic fish identification poster were favorites of the younger patrons.  This was also a great opportunity to address many of the questions local residents had about the rivers and their fisheries.  We fielded many questions and disseminated information on Asian carp and what is being done to control their numbers.  Most were impressed by the custom-made Clark trawl boat with its large inboard jet motor and net hanging from the back. 

The Land of Goshen Community Market is an organization founded to enhance the quality of life in the Edwardsville area.  It provides a community activity which fosters social gathering and interaction.  For 11 seasons, Goshen Market has been a place for local growers/producers of agricultural commodities to promote the sale of those products.  An important goal for the market has been to provide an educational forum for consumers to learn about the history, sustainability and conservation of the area.  Given these goals, providing market patrons an opportunity to learn about conservation and restoration efforts in the Missouri River just seemed natural.

On a return visit to the market a couple of weeks later, many vendors and patrons walked up to me to ask when we would be coming back.  Several teachers also asked if we could provide presentations to their classes and schools.  The enthusiasm for fisheries and conservation generated from this one event has been overwhelmingly positive and lasting. 

Cooperative participation in local events helps promote the Service’s commitment to maintaining America’s natural resources and supports the “Public Use Goal” of the “Fisheries Program Vision for the Future.”  

Patty Herman and Colby Wrasse