Impromtu Fly Fishing Camp!
At the request of a couple of campers from a previous camp we put together another Fly Fishing Camp to end the summer. Shortened by a day, it became an action packed three day initiation by fire. On the ride to camp we all agreed to treat this as an intensive course rather than the typical shenanigans of a summer camp. The result was one seriously focused group of kids.
At the request of a couple of campers from a previous camp we put together another Fly Fishing Camp to end the summer. Shortened by a day, it became an action packed three day initiation by fire. On the ride to camp we all agreed to treat this as an intensive course rather than the typical shenanigans of a summer camp. The result was one seriously focused group of kids.
We began the camp by squirming into wetsuits to snorkel the cold waters of Fox Creek. Learning to fish from the perspective of a fish can really change the way one approaches the hobby. We all lined up in our super hero outfits and crawled up the creek, imagination immersed in the underwater world. Along the way we observed the reds of big mouth chubs, hog suckers nestled in the substrate, darters in the riffles, and sculpin peaking their heads out between rocks. We saw white suckers, red-eyes, rainbow trout, brown trout and shiners. The most exciting part was a small shady run below a set of rapids where a variety of species darted about the water currents. Swimming across a deep pool we spooked up two 18" rainbow trout to the excitement of the inner fisherman in us all.
After some field casting lessons and sustenance we headed to the farm ponds for experience on how to set the hook, land and release the fish. As we got on the water heavy bands of rain crossed over us. Although the kids didn't mind one iota, the fish shut down. Once the rain passed the bluegill and largemouth bass returned as hungry as ever. One massive bass in particular was relentless with bluegill that we retrieved. With the fishing biting, we stayed until the light faded away. Only the promise of s'mores took them off the water. After a brief journaling session the camp went silent for the night.
The kids awoke at 6:30am and immediately went to the fly tying desk while breakfast sizzled on the grill. With a long day ahead on the river, we needed some fresh ammo for the trip. Everyone tied their best version of a leggy popper designed to be a cross between a dragonfly, frog and a minnow. This big buggy creature is a classic "terrestrial" used for smallmouth on the New River during the heat of summer.
While we ferried the raft trailers downriver the kids got a lesson in casting in moving water. Jane's first cast produced a smallmouth! The pride that she had in catching a fish with a fly she had tied was priceless. Down the river we headed, with the kids learning the ins and outs of casting from a raft, including not casting over the boat, not casting simultaneously and not trying to be Brad Pitt with twenty false casts! The day was hot and the fishing was slow but the fishermen were determined! Ultimately they brought four fish to the boat but missed a dozen more.
To cool off from the hot day we leaped into the swimming hole, again and again and again until our stomachs growled for dinner. Upon returning to camp out came the headlamps and bobbins to tie flies for the next day's adventure. They learned a streamer pattern, a never sink dry fly and a giant stonefly.
The next morning the kids were up knocking on the door of the counselors tent ready to keep tying! After breakfast we had a relay contest to learn the life cycles of three major families of aquatic insects that trout eat: mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies.
With a bit of rain from the previous night Fox Creek was primed for chucking streamers so we headed to the house pool to try our hand at those 18" rainbows. After each kid took a shot, the counselors each tried their hand but all struck out so we moped back to camp and packed away the western style gear.
After a quick lesson on Tenkara Fly Fishing we packed the cruiser and headed up the mountain to the high elevation plunge pools of Wilson Creek. The kids tied on their never-sink caddis flies and practiced the art of stealth fly fishing. A series of missed strikes, tree snags and tangles ensued before they landed a native southern Appalachian brook trout and a wild rainbow trout! The brookie in its spawning colors was identified as "the most beautiful fish in the world". Their pride soared in the success of their tiny creations as fish after fish mistook it for the real mccoy. Navigating the boulder filled creek proved to be as entertaining as fly casting and the kids took some time to marvel in the unique landscape and continuous white noise of the plunge pools.
The camp finished with an ice cream sundae bar provided by Charlotte Hanes at the day camp site. After gorging our taste buds we had a little time to spare so we got out the seine and surveyed Saddle Creek for aquatic macroinvertebrates. In the net we saw a fish version of a sundae bar - stoneflies, hellgrammites, caddisflies, mayflies, midges, crayfish and minnows...
Upon graduation of the beginners course these kids were ready for the intermediate level but they will have to wait till summer to enroll!
Fishbugs and Snorkeling with the Scout Troop #5
A small pack from Boy Scout Troop #5 hauled their swimming trunks, snorkels and bug nets down to Big Wilson Creek in search of Southern Appalachain Brook Trout. Upon arriving we found a tea-colored tannin stained creek. Not to be deterred, the scouts geared up and entered the 62 degree water without hesitation.
Alex Benish leading the way!
A small pack from Boy Scout Troop #5 hauled their swimming trunks, snorkels and bug nets down to Big Wilson Creek in search of Southern Appalachain Brook Trout. Upon arriving we found a tea-colored tannin stained creek. Not to be deterred, the scouts geared up and entered the 62 degree water without hesitation. Although visibility was less than an arms length, the boys quickly found a pod of trout lurking in the rocks on the bottom of the big hole. The first snorkeling attempt resulted in success! We can't wait to get back when the water is crystal clear!
Freshwater Snorkeling!
Earlier this summer Blue Ridge Discovery Center received a grant to implement a Freshwater Snorkeling program with the goal of connecting our youth to the lifeblood of the Blue Ridge Mountains. By immersing kids in a setting they have never experienced before, we will be generating a profound drive of curiosity, exploration and discovery. Armed with wetsuits, snorkels and masks, we are about cross that mirrored boundary.
Ah, to have gills and dive into the cold clear underworld of the fishes... to lie in suspension as a current of tiny oxygen bubbles and leaves roll past in seemingly slow motion. You in a room of water with your fellow fish, what a dream it is.
Perhaps it is the reflective surface of water, a line so definitively drawn between air and water, that causes such a mysterious attraction. From the air above we strain to peer into deep pools, but all we see are leaves bristling in the wind and dark shadows lurking beneath. From below, the fish see a constant wave of their own reflection on the surface. We only get a glimpse of each other when the sun beams through and the pool riffles subside into a calm windowpane of clarity.
Or perhaps it is the purity of sparkling spring water, as a vital sustenance of our own life, that gives us a fundamental draw to the watery underworld. An elemental attraction that pulls our cloths off as we jump in with elation. Either way, the desire to swim with fish rivals the dream to grow wings and soar with the birds of the sky.
It is a mysterious world full of alien creatures, colorful rocks, and fish, a beauty that has been put into prose for millenniums. It is completely foreign and yet it is in everyone's backyard.
Earlier this summer Blue Ridge Discovery Center received a grant to implement a Freshwater Snorkeling program with the goal of connecting our youth to the lifeblood of the Blue Ridge Mountains. By immersing kids in a setting they have never experienced before, we will be generating a profound drive of curiosity, exploration and discovery. Armed with wetsuits, snorkels and masks, we are about to cross that mirrored boundary.
Blue Ridge Expeditions: Sullivan Swamp
On June 7th, a small group of us met at the Massie Gap parking area of Grayson Highlands State Park for our second local Blue Ridge Expeditions hike of the year. Roald Kirby led a 4 mile walk around the edges of Sullivan Swamp, sometimes taking us off the trail for a while. Bushwhacking, he said, can bring surprises.
On June 7th, a small group of us met at the Massie Gap parking area of Grayson Highlands State Park for our second local Blue Ridge Expeditions hike of the year. Roald Kirby led a 4 mile walk around the edges of Sullivan Swamp, sometimes taking us off the trail for a while. Bushwhacking, he said, can bring surprises.
Out in the open fields, grazed by the the park's famous (or infamous) ponies the Catawbas grow to shrub height and no taller. But in the woods, competing for the precious light source, they become more the size of small trees.
These observations and many others were shared by Roald with our inquisitive group. Roald worked as interpreter at this state park for a number of years, and has a strong historical perspective he willingly ties into the natural. The combination makes for a most informative and fun expedition. Stay tuned for upcoming BRE hikes.
Birding at Grayson Highlands State Park
Birding with campers at Grayson Highlands State Park 6/29/13 Julie Slater, intern at GHSP, and Blue Ridge Discovery Center have joined forces for a series of on-site programs this summer and fall. (See previous blogs regarding the currency of this association through BRDC’s Fish Bugs program.) Our choice of study for this program was Sullivan Swamp (defined as an Appalachian shrub bog), with a strong focus on birds.
Birding with campers at Grayson Highlands State Park 6/29/13 Julie Slater, intern at GHSP, and Blue Ridge Discovery Center have joined forces for a series of on-site programs this summer and fall. (See previous blogs regarding the currency of this association through BRDC’s Fish Bugs program.) Our choice of study for this program was Sullivan Swamp (defined as an Appalachian shrub bog), with a strong focus on birds. However, we took along the data sheet created through Devin Floyd’s 2012 BRDC SiteSection survey as a handy back-up.
Julie had done the preliminary work of rounding up some eager campers, giving us 4 adults and 4 young children. This was a good crowd, really just the perfect size for spending a couple of hours in a sensitive ecosystem. One of the parents was a botanist, who works with the Shenandoah National Park…an added perk.
Eric Harrold, through Avian Adventures, led the walk. As seen in the photos, we had some very young kids, but they were up for crawling through the twisted rhododendrons, squishing through deep dark mud, and rock hopping. Our determined aim was to find alder flycatcher and saw-whet owl, neither of which gave us the pleasure. But we had plenty of entertainment in the reliable chestnut-sided warbler, common yellowthroat, cedar waxwing, Eastern towhee, spittle bug, silky willow, cinnamon fern, sphagnum moss and just the pleasure of spending some time in an exotic landscape. What always becomes obvious is that kids love the adventure of discovery. Given that all four parents were in tune with this need and desire, we took our time as magnifying glasses, tactile moments, and questions became part of our collective experience.
For those who would like to study a bit more on the definition of bog versus swamp, start here:
Scott Jackson-Ricketts
Grayson Highlands School and Grayson Highlands State Park go fishing...
On June 12th, Blue Ridge Discovery Center's Roald Kirby and Scott Jackson-Ricketts assisted the school and park on a fishing expedition at Cabin Creek, in the park. This was not planned by BRDC, but we were happy to bring our Fish Bugs program in support of the event.
On June 12th, Blue Ridge Discovery Center's Roald Kirby and Scott Jackson-Ricketts assisted the school and park on a fishing expedition at Cabin Creek, in the park. This was not planned by BRDC, but we were happy to bring our Fish Bugs program in support of the event.
We did not know until the night before, that 55 grade school age kids were to be on hand. Knowing the narrow path that is Cabin Creek trail, and the lack of fishing space, we discussed strategy just before the two busloads of kids arrived.
There were plenty of adults on hand to ensure that this many kids could be managed. So off we went, down the trail, carrying the Fish Bugs tools, and at least 30 spin casting rod and reel outfits.
Chaotic would best describe our initial efforts to organize groups of kids assigned to the two stations we set up. But, frankly, when we did, all went very well. Roald helped with the fishing component, sharing information about the habitat, food sources, water quality and temperature; while Scott managed the aquatic invertebrate collection and identification tables.
Because there were so many kids, a lot of time was allowed for free exploration, which was exciting for the kids, who continued to find critters and questions to go with.
This second picture is evidence of the chaos, given that it was quite difficult to stand in one position. But it also exemplifies the moment. No fish took the bait.
Scott Jackson-Ricketts
Fish Bugs returns to Grayson Highlands State Park
On both May 20th and 21st, Aaron Floyd led groups of grade school age kids, all from Grayson Highlands School, to Grayson Highlands State Park for a day of stream exploration. I was not able to help on Monday, so my report will focus on Tuesday’s outing. 22 kids helped us move our equipment from the Massie Gap parking area to our chosen spot along Cabin Creek, just below the large falls.
Winding up this season’s Fish Bugs Program
On both May 20th and 21st, Aaron Floyd led groups of grade school age kids, all from Grayson Highlands School, to Grayson Highlands State Park for a day of stream exploration. I was not able to help on Monday, so my report will focus on Tuesday’s outing. 22 kids helped us move our equipment from the Massie Gap parking area to our chosen spot along Cabin Creek, just below the large falls. Under a brilliant spring sky, we set up our sorting tables, distributed waders, nets, and began our first survey. Two seines were employed to gather our macro-invertebrates and other water critters.
To say it was a challenge to keep an eye on everyone, while keeping a focus on our task at hand, would be putting it lightly.
We had teachers Mrs. Sherri Perry and Mr. Van Harris, along with the eager bus driver, Mrs. Roberta Paisley, on hand to help with everything and body.
Aaron Parlier, AmeriCore volunteer for the park, was also an able assistant.
The high count for the day fell to mayflies. Adults were hatching as we dug our nets into the water for the nymph phase samples. A few caddisflies and stone flies were also found and compared. The kids always love to find salamanders and crayfish, which were in abundance at this relatively pristine spot.
We packed up our gear and hiked upstream to an easier spot, and took our second sample, breaking into two groups…boys and girls.
A few girls got very wet, but the day was warm and by the time we made it back to Massie Gap, everyone was dry, thirsty and hungry.
After a picnic lunch, we spread out owl pellets on two picnic tables and spent our last hour digging out tiny bones from the pellets and examining them under magnification.
Several kids wished to take home the tiny rodent and shrew skulls to show Mom. We have never received any feedback from those lucky moms. This was, to my recollection, our first survey work with grade schoolers, and overall, it went very well. There is certainly a different level of enthusiasm when working with younger kids that includes various components such as limited attention span and unbridled energy. All adults on hand were very good with the kids, and together we helped make the day a memorable one for all involved.
Scott Jackson-Ricketts
BUTTERFLIES OF SULLIVAN SWAMP, GRAYSON HIGHLANDS STATE PARK
Our 2012 collaboration finished up in January of 2013. This project was a partnership with the Grayson County High School 2nd year art class and BRDC’s Project SiteSection. With this poster we will be helping to spotlight the globally unique habit that is Sullivan Swamp by illustrating the full list of butterflies documented by the SiteSection program.
Our 2012 collaboration finished up in January of 2013. This project was a partnership with the Grayson County High School 2nd year art class and BRDC’s Project SiteSection. With this poster we will be helping to spotlight the globally unique habit that is Sullivan Swamp by illustrating the full list of butterflies documented by the SiteSection program. The illustrations were originally attempted as wood block prints but we decided to ultimately pursue colored pencil illustrations. We also used a combination of staff and student illustrations in order to complete a comprehensive poster of the butterflies documented at Sullivan Swamp. The final poster consists of over 20 illustrations and has been printed on 18x24 and is now available through BRDC and other outlets.