(from L to R) DRBC's Kate Schmidt, Kyle McAllister and Bailey Adams; NJDEP's Jamilah Harris and the City of Trenton's Ed Butler. Photo by the DRBC.

Another successful Trenton Youth Fishing Derby was held earlier this month at Stacy Pond along the banks of the Delaware River.

The DRBC was proud to again participate in this great event that gives Trenton's youth an opportunity to experience fishing and learn about clean water, something that fish - and us - need to survive.

For the DRBC's education station, staff collected macroinvertebrates (aquatic bugs), tadpoles and a few fish from a nearby Delaware River tributary and displayed them in trays and tanks of water. This gave kids and their families a closeup look at some of the different aquatic life that is in our waterways and provided a lesson on water quality. Certain critters need to live in very clean water, and others can tolerate water that is a little polluted. Finding a good variety of pollution-sensitive species indicates a healthy waterbody. 

Partnering together, the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection and the City of Trenton Department of Recreation, Culture and Natural Resources hold this annual event for local youth in grades 2-8. Free to participants and their families, the derby features education stations and a 1-hour period where the children fish for multiple prizes, such as first fish caught, most fish caught, largest and smallest fish and "strangest" find. The event was catch and release; all equipment was provided for the students, and volunteers were on hand to help the kids learn how to fish and identify different species. 

Connecting with our local community is an important part of what we do. DRBC staff truly enjoy being a part of this event and look forward to next year! 

The participants are ready to fish! But first, announcements. Photo by the DRBC.	Trenton's Stacy Pond is a great place to learn how to fish. Photo by the DRBC.	Derby participants had a chance to stop by the education tables to learn more. Photo by the DRBC.
Trenton's Stacy Pond is a great place to learn how to fish. Photo by the DRBC.	Can you see the tadpoles in this water sample? One even has legs! Photo by the DRBC.	This derby participant had so much fun trying to find all the critters! Photo by the DRBC.
It was a beautiful fall morning for a fishing derby. The air was cool but the sun was shining. Photo by the DRBC.	The DRBC also brought a fish & eagle-themed cornhole game to the derby. Photo by the DRBC.	Check it out! This Derby participant was happy to have us grab a photo of his catch. Photo by the DRBC.
The Derby is a great way to learn how to fish together as a family. Photo by the DRBC.	Check it out! This Derby participant was happy to have us grab a photo of his catch. Photo by the DRBC.	Derby participants also got to play the DRBC's land-based fishing game. Photo by the DRBC.