Published: July 01, 2009 10:29 pm      

Learning about conservation

TFFC gives Dallas youth the opportunity to learn about nature

The Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center is giving inner-city kids a special treat this summer.

The Junior Angler Adventure Summer Camp is a field trip program for low-income Dallas youth who are enrolled in Dallas Park and Recreation Centers.

An average of three bus loads of kids each day — ranging in age from six years old to 16 — are brought from Dallas to TFFC to participate in hands-on activities. Some of those include fishing, hiking, environmental education and a native plant re-establishment service project.

“This is a chance for kids from lower income homes in Dallas to get a chance to fish and learn about wildlife conservation,” Volunteer Coordinator for the Fisheries Center Mona Farmer said. “This was a program that we came up with and we were able to work with the Dallas Parks Department. We’ll see over 1,500 kids before it’s all over with.”

During the first session, the participants have explored the visitor center’s 300,000 gallons of aquaria to observe over 40 species of freshwater fish in their natural habitat, then examine different macroinvertebrates which play a vital role in the food chain and reveals a lot about water quality.

In the next session each participant has the opportunity to fish for sunfish and channel catfish in TFFC’s 1.5 acre pond that is very heavily stocked. Instructors will demonstrate the basics in Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Junior Angler Program including baits, tackle assembly and use, weighing and measuring fish correctly, casting, water safety and catch and release conservation.

In the third session, campers enjoy a guided hike along the wetland trail to observe a variety of birds, plants and wildlife. At the end of the tour, children will participate in “Erosion in Motion,” a water conservation activity which demonstrates how native plants control erosion, recharge groundwater systems, and conserve water.

The groups will also make seed balls as part of a service project to re-establish native wildflower in several areas of TFFC. Before leaving the center each child will take home a seed ball to plant at their home.

The goal of the program is to expose traditionally under-served populations to a positive outdoor experience to help participants gain knowledge, awareness and appreciation of our natural resources, according to Farmer.

“You know a lot of these kids may never fish again, but they will vote some day,” she said. “If we can give them some information about conservation and many other things about wildlife, I believe it’s something they will remember.”