Programs

Our outreach efforts include supporting various youth programs such as Trout in the Classroom, Rivercourse, and Kid’s Fishing Day, as well as Veterans Activities, USFS, NCWRC and NPS activities, and other community events.

Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is one of our chapter’s most popular projects. Since 2010 we have initiated 4 TIC projects at North Buncombe High School, Asheville Middle School, Owen Middle School, and Pisgah Elementary School. At each location a classroom has been outfitted with a 40-55 gallon aquarium, a chiller to keep the water cold enough for trout, and the usual filters, pumps and other equipment necessary to keep the fish alive and in good health.

In the past we have started with hatchlings in the spring, however in September 2011 we were supplied with trout eggs by the NCWRC hatchery near Morganton. The goal of each project is to rear the young trout and then release them into a local stream in the spring. During the process children are taught about trout requirements for clean, cold water, and the overall importance of this to ecosystems and humans as well.

With the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina as a backdrop, campers are immersed in the outdoors as they learn about entomology, wetland ecology, stream sampling and restoration, and fly fishing.

Expert volunteers from Trout Unlimited, the NC Wildlife Resource Commission, the US Forest Service, the US Park Service, Warren Wilson College and other organizations spend time teaching and sharing about the important role our streams play in our environment.

In addition, fly-fishing and fly tying instruction will reinforce traditional values of patience, technique, attention to detail, and a general love of the outdoors. Come out and join us for an unforgettable week of fly fishing and fun.

You can go directly to the Rivercourse website at http://www.rivercourse.org.