Environmental Education

Anthom elementary visit to the hatchery. Credit: USFWS

Bald Cypress tree at the hatchery. Credit: USFWS

Birds flying over the hatchery at sunset. Credit: USFWS

Recovery sign with blue bonnets. Credit: USFWS

Rainbow over the hatchery. Credit: USFWS

St. Philips Elementary visit. Credit: USFWS

Sunset over the ponds. Credit: USFWS

Swan at the wildlife pond. Credit: USFWS

Visitors around the display pond. Credit: USFWS

Career day. Credit: USFWS

Dalton Elementary visit. Credit: USFWS

Family sunset on hatchery. Credit: USFWS

Fishing derby participants. Credit: USFWS

Hatchery pond. Credit: USFWS

National Night Out 2010. Credit: USFWS

Old Settlers Reunion. Credit: USFWS

St. Philips tour of the hatchery. Credit: USFWS

Sunset over ponds. Credit: USFWS

Outdoor Classroom

A new hiking trail and outdoor classroom is under construction at the hatchery. The hiking trail follows the existing wildlife pond and connects to several bird viewing platforms and gazebos. Planned outdoor classroom activities include; Biologist in Training, Wildlife Pond macroinvertabrate studies, Birding and other activities. Please contact the hatchery for more information.

Biologist in Training (BiT)

Welcome to the Biologist-in-Training Program! This exciting program is designed to guide students through a fun, hands-on exploration of aquatic habitats.

The BiT activity booklet includes five fun, interactive activities that will help students gain the skills needed to be good biologists and discover why it’s important to care for our precious aquatic resources. Once students complete all five activities they are eligible to receive an official Biologist-in-Training certificate and patch or sticker!

Events

Hatchery Events

National Fishing and Boating Week (first full week of June)

Annual Fishing Derby

Let’s go fishing! This is a statement most children love to hear. The thought of going out to a body of water, putting something squishy on a hook and throwing the line into the water with the expectation of catching something is very intriguing to them.

The focus of this event is to stir the interest of the young and the young at heart. As the years have passed word has spread of how much fun the event is and the organizing, setting up, and gathering of donations to prepare for the event has become easier. Although the preparation for the event is a huge undertaking the rewards are multiplied many times over. Seeing the wonder and joy of our young participants and hearing a simple “thank you” or “we had so much fun” makes this event meaningful to us.

• The event is always free and open to children ages 5-13.
• The time of the event is from 8 am to 12 pm.
• One adult per two children required.
• Free soda, water, hot dogs and chips.
• Bring your own rod, tackle, bait, and cooler (if keeping fish).
• Suggested bait is worms or liver - no live bait.
• Anglers may take home their catch! (limits to be determined annually).
• Don't forget your sunscreen!

The Hatchery plans to continue this event annually to give our young ones a day of fishing to look forward to.

Outreach

Community Events

The Uvalde National Fish Hatchery also participates in community events outside the hatchery. Events we have participated in previously are listed below (participation is not guaranteed every year).

• Texas Hunting & Outdoor classic
• National Night Out
• Cowboy Symposium
• Hunters Roundup
• Maverick County Junior Livestock Show
• North Getty Block Party
• Oasis Outback Outdoor Expo
• Texas Expo