7th Graders Discover Hawk Migration

Jim Keighton of Blue Ridge Birders hosted BRDC and 19 Grayson Highlands seventh graders for a day of counting migrating hawks.

Jim has been monitoring the migration from Mahogany Rock Overlook along the Blue Ridge Parkway since 1986. The day did not disappoint with hundreds of hawks and several eagles being spotted. Broad-winged hawks were the most numerous with large groups or kettles flying over periodically throughout the day.

The students enjoyed spending the day with local birding experts and the treasure trove of knowledge they carry. By participating in this citizen science project the students learned how to count and record data, how to identify species, how to use binoculars and spotting scopes, learned about migration patterns and techniques, but most importantly they were introduced to phenomenal bird migration happening right in their backyards. 

2nd Annual BRDC Science Fair

BRDC is excited to announce the 2nd Annual BRDC Science Fair to be held December 8th, 2017 in partnership with Grayson County Public Schools!  All 6th and 7th-grade students in Grayson County Public Schools are included.  In the future, we aim to include more grades and expand the opportunity to focus on critical thinking skills. 

The Science fair is a chance for students to exercise their creative thinking skills, follow their curiosity, learn more about their interests and share their discoveries with others. Project questions arise from the participant’s experience and context, and students are encouraged to tackle challenges related to the Blue Ridge region.

Get Involved!

In order to provide assistance to students in developing their projects, BRDC is looking for mentors to assist with concepts and procedures. Volunteer judges are also needed for the day of the event.  Interested community members can contact BRDC at info@blueridgediscoverycenter.org, or 276-293-1232.

Prizes

GRAND PRIZE:  Monoprice Select Mini 3D Printer!

1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes offered at all grade levels
1st Place: $75 Gift Certificate Acorn Naturalists
2nd Place: $50 Gift Certificate Acorn Naturalists
3rd Place: $25 Gift Certificate Acorn Naturalists
Each school will also have their own Best in School Trophy that will be displayed at the school.

The BRDC Science Fair Committee includes: Aaron Floyd, BRDC Executive Director; Lisa Benish, BRDC Program Director; Jay Martin, Naturalist/Educator; Mr. Hale, IMS Principal; Mr. Alexander, Fries Principal; Mr. Cheeks, GHS Principal; Mrs. Cox IMS, Mrs. Perry GHS, Ms. Tignor, IMS,and Mrs Blankenship FMS

For more information about the Science Fair, visit blueridgediscoverycenter.org/sciencefair

Monarch and Milkweed

The first graders of Grayson County Public Schools are excited to participate in our K-2 Reading program once again this year. For September, we shared the life cycle, habitat requirements, and migration of the Monarch butterfly.

After reading Monarch and Milkweed, the students got to observe and touch, the monarch butterfly, its caterpillar, and its chrysalis. They also viewed and handled the milkweed plant and its seed pod. Further discussion explored the amazing migration of the Monarch and the need to protect its habitat.

At the end of the program at Independence Elementary School, the kids assisted with the release of the Monarch they named "Betty". She flew southward, up and away to Mexico.

BRDC Partners with Galax for Hands-On Summer Day Camp Fun

Continuing a successful relationship built through afterschool programs and weekend field trips during the 2016 and 2017 school years, BRDC partnered with Galax Public Schools this summer to offer four unique, weeklong camps in June and July. The camps were hands-on, experiential learning based, outdoor skills focused, and offered free of charge to 3rd-7th grade Galax students.

Pioneering Camp was one of the three camps hosted at Matthew State Forest new facilities at off State Route 58 west of Galax. Students learned first-hand about the ingenuity and grit it took to be an Appalachian pioneer. The students practiced lashing construction techniques, used to bind poles together.

During the Blue Ridge Explorers Camp, students got out and explored the broad range of ecological and recreational opportunities available within the Blue Ridge. The camp featured field trips to Grayson Highlands and Fairy Stone State Parks, the New River, Stone Mountain, and Doughton Recreation Area.

Archaeology Camp, dug into the recent and ancient human past of the Blue Ridge, focusing on the tools and techniques of archaeologists.

Discovery Camp touched on the variety of natural history subjects that are so richly accessible in the Blue Ridge such as geology, birding, forests, and aquatic ecology. The final day camp of the summer ended with a creek exploration where students discovered what critters lie beneath the rocks.

Galax Middle Visits Grandfather Mountain

On May 6th, students from Galax Middle School took a trip up 5,946’ to the top of Grandfather Mountain in North Carolina. There they had the opportunity to learn about the various flora and fauna that inhabit the mountains’ 16 distinct ecosystems.

The students took a tour through the Nature Museum and learned about the natural history of the mountain, then had the opportunity to conduct their own field research with education specialist and naturalist, Amy Renfranz. Renfranz helped the students each set up their own 10x10 meter plot where they observed soil quality, species diversity and practiced their naturalist skills.

During their trip to the mountain, the students discovered many different kinds of plants and animals; including pinkshell azalea, bear corn, and red-backed and gray cheeked salamanders! The students finished their trip to Grandfather Mountain by visiting the resident bald eagles and bears.

School of Fish

As the school year wraps up, the student's hard work as part of the Trout in the Classroom program is paying off.

Students from Carroll County, Piney Creek in Alleghany County and Grayson Highlands School reared brook trout fingerlings from eggs for the last 4 months.  Now the students get to feel the pride of releasing the young trout into local streams.  

With an emphasis of connecting students to the cold water streams of Virginia, the program outlines the benefits of healthy native brook trout habitat.  The partnership between Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fish (VDGIF), local schools and Blue Ridge Discovery Center (BRDC) brings together all of the pieces to make the program a success.  The VDGIF supply the trout eggs and approve the release locations.  The schools provide classroom curricula surrounding the care and monitoring of the tank and the trout.  BRDC provides the technical expertise to setup the tank and to raise the fish as well as leading a hands-on stream ecology program during the release of the trout.  

Most importantly, the students bring their curiosity and enthusiasm to discover not just what makes great trout habitat, but also the pride that comes with being a part of the Trout in the Classroom program.

The 1st Annual BRDC Science Fair!

The First Annual Blue Ridge Discovery Center Science Fair brought together 6th and 7th grade students from Grayson Highlands, Independence, and Fries to compete for the grand prize- a Phantom 3 drone!

Science Fair Projects are an opportunity for the students to learn more about the world through rigorous experimentation and documentation. The projects answer questions through scientific method or focus on innovative solutions through engineering. Although Science Fairs are competitive by design, they are collaborative by nature, with help from peers, teachers, parents and mentors, students solve the hardest of questions.

At the fair, BRDC staff & volunteers from partner organizations and businesses, including Virginia Department of Forestry, Natural Resource Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, and Skyline Bank interviewed the students, and judged their projects. Students, judges, and volunteers enjoyed lunch provided by Blue Ridge Discovery Center and Pizza Plus.

Grand Prize

• Also Fries Best in School: Emily Reeves - 6th grade

6th Grade

• 1st place: Lacy Beduhn and Amie Hamm

• 2nd place: Ryan Perry and Mack Sindler

• 3rd place: Elijah Spurlin and Hayden Walters

7th grade

• 1st Place & Independence Middle Best in School: Maddie Brown and Emily Swinney

• 2nd Place: Anna Harrington

• 3rd place & Grayson Highlands Best in School: Marisa Halsey and Rebecca Cunningham

A big thanks to all the judges: Brenda Bonk, Lukas Burgher, Lindsey Carrico, Aaron Floyd, Marcia and Lance HartJay Martin, Darin Handy, Debbie Kovacich, Jeb Minarik, Zach Olinger, Austin Phipps, and Cynthia Taylor for their help.

Learning about Amphibians & Aquatic Insects

BRDC has been busy with education programs, working with Galax Middle School, Fries School, Fairview Elementary, Grayson Highlands, Independence Elementary.

Grayson County's fourth grade students participated in the Natural Heritage Program with an emphasis on salamanders, toads, and frogs. Students learned about salamanders commonly found in the Blue Ridge.  Using field guides, they researched different species of salamander and presented their discoveries to the class.  The Eastern hellbender was a favorite among the students, as they were shocked by its prehistoric features. Students enjoyed watching a video about the life history of hellbenders provided by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

Fifth grade students in Grayson County schools learned about frogs and toads. Students illustrated the life cycle of amphibians, learned the difference between frogs and toads, and listened to the calls of some of Virginia's common species. Many students had heard the calls before, but often didn't know what animal made the calls. The Virginia Herpetological Society's website is a great resource for determining different frog and toad calls: https://goo.gl/v84gqS.

After learning the calls of the American bullfrog, spring peeper, and American toad, students played a Frog and Toad matching game. Using a Peterson Guidebook to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, students matched the species name, picture, and description together. 

Galax Middle School After School program has been learning all about aquatic species. BRDC brought aquatic insects from a local stream to the classroom where students got a first-hand look at the life found in our creeks. Students learned about the life cycle of the insects, and enjoyed fly tying with Executive Director Aaron Floyd. 

In-school programming keeps BRDC's staff busy, but it is great to work with such a variety grade levels and see the enjoyment and wonder on the children's faces. To stay connected with BRDC follow us on Instagram @blueridgediscoverycenter.

Galax After School Field Trip

Students in Galax Middle School's After School Program are learning about Primitive Technology this month. At the beginning of the week, students discussed the meaning of primitive technology and experimented with different pottery techniques.

Later in the week, the students learned how to make square lashings, which are used for attaching two spars perpendicular to each other. This lashing is great for constructing bridges, ladders, etc.

At the end of the week, students had the opportunity to attend a session where they learned to make cordage from dried Dog Bane (Plectranthus ornatus).  They practiced their square lashings and learned how to tie numerous other types. Finally, they tested out their lashing skills by constructing and testing the strength of a trestle and a primitive chair.

A Week of Exploration, Messy Adventures, Engineering & Creativity!

Cassidy gives us the scoop on Galax Middle School's Enrichment Week

Both staff and volunteers were on-the-go last week for Enrichment Week at Galax Middle School. Enrichment week gives students a break from the everyday routine and allows them to gain experience outside of the classroom. BRDC provided students with three different programs to choose from including Pioneering, Crafting with Nature, and Exploration and Discovery.

Students in the Pioneering class learned how to construct a trebuchet like those used in medieval times to hurl objects during battle. Each student assembled their own miniature trebuchet and took it home at the end of the week. With the help of local carpenters Don Call and Don Pridgen, students learned about the different wood types used to construct the trebuchet and experimented with the hardness and weight of the different woods. After the trebuchets were assembled students then tested their machines out and experimented with different weights to make their objects project farther when thrown. 

Galax Middle School students experimented with the densities of different species of wood by sawing and nailing for the Pioneering Class.

At the end of the week, students took a field trip to Matthews State Forest to see a life-size trebuchet in action!

Students in the Exploration and Discovery class learned about a different natural history subject everyday. Students jumped in the creek Monday to find aquatic insects by using a seine in Clearfork Creek in Matthews State Forest. Each student found their own specimen and wrote details about the specimen in their nature journals, then identified the specimen using a guidebook. 

On Tuesday, students learned about tracks, scat, and animal signs. Students used guidebooks to learn the differences of feline and canine tracks then hiked in search wildlife signs. Students found evidence of a woodpecker searching for insects on a tree, saw dog tracks on the trail, and observed animal scat left by a red fox.

On Wednesday, students learned about trees commonly found in Matthews State Forest. At the beginning of the day students were given hints about different tree species such as acorn caps, leaves, and twigs and were tasked with finding the species in their guidebook. After completing the activity students explored the woods to complete a tree scavenger hunt! 

Students adventured to New River Trail State Park on Thursday where they learned about the geology of the Blue Ridge from USGS scientist Arthur Merschat. 

To end the week of Exploration and Discovery students searched for birds at Matthews State Forest.

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During the Crafting with Nature program, volunteers Pam Evans and Amelia Hulth helped students channel their inner artist as they hiked through Matthews State Forest to gain inspiration and tools for creating masterpieces!

On Monday, students drew natural objects they found while hiking along the trail and then used tempera paint to color the objects and observe the different textures and patterns left by the plants.

For Tuesday's activity, students hiked and discovered a praying mantis egg casing and katydid eggs. They practiced sketching images that had similar hues (landscapes, trees, dead flowers) then used those sketches as the rough draft for water color paintings, using water colors they made by grinding different sedimentary rocks into a paste and adding water.

On Wednesday, students learned about the different methods of working with clay. They experimented with pinch pots, coil building, and slab construction.

“I believe these kids really gained a new appreciation of nature through art. I am pleased to have been a part of it.”

— Pam Evans

Thursday started off with a hike where students learned the differences between Virginia creeper, Japanese honeysuckle, oriental bittersweet, and poison ivy. Students used invasive plants to create ornamental wreaths. Along the way they found usnea moss that had fallen to the ground from the rain the day before. The day ended with using a leather press and making leather bracelets.

On Friday, students made collages from magazines and ended the day creating more pottery, requested by the students. 

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After both the Exploration and Discovery and Crafting with Nature sessions, students wrote in their journal about the events of the day. Journaling allows students to think deeper about what they have learned. Taking a few moments to reflect on the day's activities helps them retain the information they were given and express themselves through writing or drawing.

This week was a lot of fun for both students and instructors! I was lucky to be able to join every class for at least one day. Some days I taught the lesson and other days I took pictures and made crafts with the students. It's very rewarding to see the kids engaged and excited to learn about the various subjects.

The thought that kept occurring to me throughout the week was how awesome the volunteers are for the Blue Ridge Discovery Center! Each volunteer provided their own expertise and skills that were crucial to the programs. Thank you to all of our volunteers for helping us provide students with a great experience where they can explore, imagine, and learn in a fun environment. We could not do it without you. 

Galax Enrichment Week Begins!

Students from Galax Middle School take a break from the classroom and have the opportunity to get outdoors and discover the natural world! Blue Ridge Discovery Center is offering several sessions this week: Explorations and Discovery,  Pioneering, and Crafting with Nature.

On Monday, students got a taste of aquatic entomology (the study of insects) as they explored Clear Fork Creek in Matthews State Forest. They searched the creek for macro-invertebrates such as stonefly and mayfly larva, but also found a gilled snail and various species of non-game fish. For the remainder of the week, students will investigate animal tracks and signs, dendrology (trees), geology (rocks) and ornithology (birds). 

Pioneering begins with the sanding of parts in preparation for building a trebuchet. This desktop model will be used to demonstrate the physics behind weight and trajectory. Manipulation and redesign of the prototype throughout the week will result in a fine-tuned machine!

Crafting with nature is incorporating hikes and natural elements into works of art. Students will experiment with pencils and paint, printmaking, rubbings, collages, weaving with invasive species and much more!

Raptors and Kids Circle Burkes Garden

It's not often that the weather at Burkes garden cooperates in February. It can be downright nasty! Saturday was a little windy but fairly comfortable so the students of Galax Middle School experienced a real treat.

Five eager and energetic students climbed into the van and began the trip to Burkes Garden, Virginia. It is referred to by many as "God's Thumbprint".  Based on its aerial and topographic view, Burkes Garden is an oval bowl completely surrounded by Garden Mountain. It was formed by the collapse of limestone caverns below and is now a very fertile valley; the highest in Virginia at over 3000 ft! But this is not all that makes this place special. It just happens to be a hot spot for raptors on their migratory path South for the winter.

The kids are very excited to be on an adventure to such a special and unique spot. At one of our rest stops, our birding guide for the day, Amy Renfranz, from Grandfather Mountain helped them understand and use their field guides by asking questions and having them find that particular species. It was a great exercise and gave the students confidence. Back in the van and up the curvy road we went!

Our first stop was around a large pond at the entrance of the community. It was a great place to get out and learn how to use the binoculars. There were geese on the pond, so it made for easy viewing. The students were naturals and all could find the birds in their binoculars. We were about to head back to the van when one spotted three birds soaring up high. There was a question..."Hey, what is that?" All the binoculars went up to witness three different raptors. Two were fairly obvious, but the third was a really special raptor. One was a Bald Eagle, the second was a Red-tailed Hawk and the third, identified as it swooped down really close, was a Rough-legged Hawk! At their first stop and within a half hour, we had seen spectacular birds! We were all so excited for what the rest of the day would reveal.

Observing a Bald Eagle on the nest

Continuing on through the valley, we turned off the main road onto a side road following fellow birders. All of a sudden the cars pulled over and out we all jumped again. The buzz and excitement were palpable as the bird soaring up above was a Golden Eagle! 

We spent the entire day, riding and stopping and jumping out of the van in search of new and exciting species of birds. Allie was the scribe for the trip keeping a vigilant record of all species found. They found 22 different species of birds and became confident birders. More importantly, they had a great time! 

Many thanks to Cindy Joines-Huff for getting that van, Coach Barkley for handling that vehicle so well and tolerating all the "wait!...stop!....back-up!...pull over!" all day, and especially, Amy Renfranz! You were such a pleasure to have along both educating and entertaining us all day. 

Animal Tracks & Signs in Grayson County Schools

This month, Grayson County students learned all about Animal Tracks and Signs.

BRDC Program Director, Lisa Benish, showed fourth grade students examples of tracks made by animals found here in the Blue Ridge. Students were asked to reenact the walking patterns of species such as white-tail deer, black bear, and eastern cottontails.  

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Fifth grade students learned about the different types of animal signs -- trails, beds, rubs, and scat.  The students tried to identify signs shown in a slideshow. One of the program's goals is to open the students' eyes to the evidence left by wildlife.  

After the slideshow, students had fun exploring antlers, feathers, scat, and skulls that are often left as signs. Lisa Benish and education assistant, Cassidy Williams, worked with small groups of students to engage them in the exploration of the natural world, asking the students questions about the different items. 

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Superheroes of Grayson County

All of Grayson County's first, fourth and fifth graders became superheroes last week. BRDC guide and wildlife rehabilitator, Darin Handy presented a wonderful program about mammals; marsupials in particular, of the Blue Ridge.

In an assembly style program, Darin created an analogous program about superheroes and villains. The students shouted out their favorite superheroes and each school had a "Fantastic Four" all with special powers to defeat evil. Darin, however, played the role of the evil villain and created special armies that carried viruses and diseases that the superheroes of Grayson County were hard pressed to defeat.

All the while, there was a very special "true" superhero in their midst. As Darin acknowledged that the "Fantastic Four" and all the other superheroes of comic books and movies were not real, he presented the students with a mammal that could defeat these nasty villains. The finale of the program was the unveiling of this special creature, the only marsupial of North America and a common resident of Grayson County, the OPOSSUM! 

Wildlife ambassador and marsupial extraordinaire, Maggie was the star of the day. She showed up to save the kids from these horrible diseases. Not only is she a superhero, she is a super-duper superhero! Maggie was found as a baby opossum and was taken to a wildlife rehabilitator who deemed her too unhealthy to be released into the wild due to a debilitating eye disorder that rendered her blind in one eye. There was an appeal to the game department to allow Maggie to become a wildlife ambassador and help educate students about respecting wildlife and the environment. 

With the knowledge and power to protect this very special mammal by educating their family and friends, Maggie awarded the students of Grayson County "superhero" status too!

Fairy Stone's for Young Explorers

Seven eager young explorers ventured to Fairy Stone State Park in search of these mysterious stones. The day was gray but comfortable and we hoped the rains would stay away long enough for us to fill our little baggies with treasures. 

Fairy stones are staurolite, a composition of iron aluminum silicate that forms only under extreme heat and pressure, as built up by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The mineral commonly occurs as twinned, six-sided crystals that sometimes intersect at 90 degrees to form a cross, or more commonly at an intersection angle of 60 degrees. The most common shape is a St. Andrew's cross, which looks like an X. Roman crosses are shaped like a plus sign. Maltese crosses, the rarest, have crossbars at the ends. 

Once on site, we didn't quite know how to begin. We asked a local store owner, and he obliged us with the strategies of finding the special stones. We scattered among the forested area checking washes and root wads looking for them. It didn't take long for the young, fresh eyes to find them and spread the word to the others. Everyone found treasures and the rock hounding ended in success. We were dirty (always a good sign) but not wet! It was a happy day!

BRDC Kicks Off New Science Fair!

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We are excited to announce the 1st Annual BRDC Science Fair in partnership with Grayson County Public Schools!  The Science fair is a chance for students to exercise their creative thinking skills, follow their curiosity, learn more about their interests and share their discoveries with others. Project questions arise from the participant’s own experience and context, and students are encouraged to tackle challenges related to the Blue Ridge region.

Even though the Science Fair is a competitive program, it is collaborative by nature with participants supported by peers, teachers, family and mentors. Students may work as individuals or in groups up to three, but the prize award must be shared among the group. Projects may be based on research or innovation, and focused on answering a question through scientific method or innovative solutions through engineering.

BRDC launched the new Science Fair at each of Grayson County’s middle schools: Fries, IMS and Grayson Highlands School. Principals, science teachers, and volunteer mentors participated in the kickoff where over 200 6th and 7th grade students were introduced to scientific and engineering methods. Students saw the grand prize DJI Drone in action.  Additional prizes include gift certificates to Educational Innovations, and best in school trophies.  

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Breakout sessions were held to help the students brainstorm in small groups.  The students developed concepts for projects based on their interest. Ideas included studying ways to reduce sound in the gym, testing percentage of water that gives you the best chance to win at the bottle flip game, how to make oil and water stay mixed, and how to build a better escalator (for lumber work). 

BRDC will provide mentors to further assist students in developing their concepts and procedures. Mentor workshops will be held at Fries Middle School on January 28th and Grayson Highlands School on February 18th. Volunteer Mentors include: Darin Handy, Niki Weir, Gary Lavellee, Dr. William Hylander, and Sarah Osborne.  Community members interested in mentoring can contact BRDC at info@blueridgediscoverycenter.org, or call 276-293-1232.

The BRDC Science Fair Committee includes: Aaron Floyd, BRDC Executive Director; Lisa Benish, BRDC Program Coordinator; Scott Jackson-Ricketts, BRDC volunteer; Mr. Hale, IMS Principal; Mr. Alexander, Fries Principal; Mr. Cheeks, GHS Principal; Mrs. Cox IMS, Mrs. Perry GHS, and Mrs. Blankenship FMS.

For more information about the Science Fair, visit blueridgediscoverycenter.org/sciencefair

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December...A Great Time to Study Geology!

BRDC's Natural Heritage Program offered geology programs to the students of Grayson County Public Schools during December.

First, fourth and fifth grade students gained knowledge of geology through a series of hands-on activities. First graders read books and learned about fossils. Fourth graders studied the rock cycle using play-dough as their muse. They created sediments then turned those sediments into sedimentary, metamorphic and igneous rocks in quite the colorful fashion. The fifth graders took it a step further and explored the layers of the earth, plate tectonics and continental drift. The best part for them was the milky way candy bars used as a demonstration tool for plate tectonics....the EATING of the candy bar of course!

These programs enhance current SOL's and give the students additional reinforcement on these subjects. It is a pleasure joining forces with these outstanding teachers and having a positive impact on these wonderful students!

Fly Fishing in School?

National Fishing in Schools Program is a nationwide, in school program that teaches a positive, lifetime activity to students.

BRDC brought this national program to Grayson County High School boys ninth and tenth grade PE classes in December. Parts of the fly rod, fly reel and fly line; knots used to build leader; aquatic insects: mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies; fish species, fly casting and fly tying were part of the curriculum for the week.

In addition to basic casting skills and an understanding of aquatic habitat, the students learned stewardship through catching and releasing real "fake" fish. Each day, new skills and information were added in a hands-on fashion to reinforce the lesson. On the final day, all the classes used their knot tying skills to build their own leader. Attached to the tippet end of that leader was a Woolly Bugger, a fly that imitates many aquatic species, that they created. By the end of the week, students had achieved a skill level that allows them to go out to a stream and have confidence in catching a fish using a fly rod.

Geology Lessons along the Virginia Creeper Trail

Galax Middle School students braved a very cold day in order to be enlightened about the geology of the Blue Ridge. Dr. Arthur Merschat with the USGS joined us at Green Cove station to begin the hike along the Virginia Creeper trail towards Creek Junction. He came equipped with rock hammers, topographic maps of the area, and colored pencils. The rest of us were bundled up and excited to learn about the geology and how to create a geologic map.

Stopping at outcrops along the way, we would determine the rock type found there, observe the changes in the rocks from previous stops and then decide the color we wanted to use for that rock type. Brown was selected for sedimentary conglomerates; yellow for sedimentary sandstone; purple for sedimentary rock showing foliation; and finally green for igneous rock, a mafic basalt with "pillows". The end result was a beautifully colored map along the section of trail we covered.

We found a sunny location to warm up and have lunch. Thermoses of tomato soup and hot chocolate filled our bellies and kept us going for a little longer. In the shady locations, the stream alongside the trail was iced over and icicles hung from the rock outcrops. It was a beautiful, crisp winter day that ended too soon. We will need to return to finish the rest of the trail and our colorful map. Thank you, Arthur, for braving the cold and sharing the wonderful activity.

One kid is getting started off right!

Each year we teach all of the 9th and 10th grade Grayson County High School Students how to fly fish through the National Fishing in the Schools Program. Every year, after a week of enthusiasm, the students inevitably ask "How much does it cost to get into this?"

Let me tell you, fly fishing equipment can be expensive, even the most basic equipment costs much more than your typical spin casting rig. So I always answer that question with a sinking heart. But this year is different!!!

We are excited to announce that we will be giving away a fly rod, a reel rigged with line, and a fly tying kit thanks to generous donations by Rajeff Sports (Echo Fly Rods) and the Wapsi Fly Tying Company! We are asking the kids to write a short fishing tale as a contest to determine who gets to take home this package of nearly $200 in value!

In addition to the give away, we will be introducing the kids to the "Fish Need Water" campaign. This campaign teaches best practices to ensure post-catch survival, including minimizing fight time, barbless hooks, rubber nets and avoiding air exposure. Visit: FishNeedH2O.org to learn more about their entire program!

Many thanks to Rajeff Sports! Please check out their awesome offerings online at: http://rajeffsports.com/

Also thanks to Wapsi for sending their Fly Tying Starter Kit! http://www.wapsifly.net/

Both of these companies jumped on this opportunity to support our youth without hesitation! I remember my first fly rod and fly tying kit like it was yesterday. I have no doubt that this will change the life of one of these kids!