By Seth

Ever liked that aquariums you see at the restaurant? Or stare in fascination at the aquatic exhibit at the aquarium? The YFS has created display aquariums for schools to use in their learning curriculum. These aquariums will be stocked with native wildlife and will be modeled after native ecosystems. Teachers will have a choice on the ecosystem they prefer. These tanks hopefully will be used to make learning more interesting, and provide a deeper appreciation of native wildlife. 

Picture: Tanks getting set up.

by Seth
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  A 6th grade student casts his lure in the center of the small pond on a beautiful March morning. The water had began to warm up, and life began to stir in the pond. Birds were chirping in the trees, and there was a a soft pluk as a frog leaped into the water.  His friend watches attentively as the student slowly reels in his lure.

  Suddenly, the rod started to bend. As quick as a rabbit, the student set his hook in the fish's mouth. This was the moment he had long anticipated for. The fish was on, struggling at the end of his line.

"Reel up your slack line and raise your rod," his friend orders.  The fish is now tiring, and the student reels it back to shore, flush with triumph. His heart thumping, he picked up the fish. It was a small bass, not to big, but it was his first! He removed the hook out of the fish's mouth, and gently put it back in the water, watching it's lithe figure dart out of sight.

  His friend grinned high fived him. The student gave a yell of excitement, and casted his lure back into the water. Another angler was made.

  The Buddy Program works to create new and avid anglers. A newbie is paired up with an experienced classmate, and they good to a small pond to catch some fish. The experienced classmate gives the newbie instructions, and "hooks" him on fishing by catching him some fish.  Economically disadvantaged students are provided with equipment. The students have a blast with this program, and it helps grows the wonderful sport of fishing.