During my time with Little River Chapter Trout Unlimited, I have seen the growing need for us to take on more projects and become involved in new types of activities. As many of you already know, nonprofits everywhere are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit volunteers and leaders, and our chapter is no exception.
I find it incredibly rewarding to be part of a leadership team that is working to make the world around us a better place. One of the most important things we do is help teach younger generations about conservation and the importance of understanding the natural world so they can protect it for years to come.
One program that is especially close to my heart is Trout in the Classroom. This program helps students connect with the environment in a way that few classroom experiences can. It gives them the opportunity to see firsthand why clean water, healthy habitats, and balanced ecosystems are so important to the fish and wildlife we all love.
Interest in Trout in the Classroom has grown tremendously, and we now have a waiting list of schools eager to participate. The only thing holding us back is a lack of School Coordinators. Many of our current coordinators have been serving for years and would love to see new volunteers step forward and help carry the program into the future.
Every tank, every release day, and every educational event happens because someone volunteers their time. The program exists because dedicated people work together, helping one another and sharing the responsibility. Without volunteers, there are no tanks in schools and no release days for students.
Is it a commitment? Absolutely.
Is it rewarding? More than you can imagine.
Should you give it a try? Without question.
We understand that everyone has busy lives. Families, jobs, travel, and countless other commitments compete for our time. But a small investment of your time can impact more than 100 students in a single school. That’s a pretty good feeling at the end of the day.
The future of coldwater conservation, brook trout restoration, habitat protection, and environmental stewardship is not limited by the interest of our schools or communities. It is limited only by our willingness to step forward and help. If you have never volunteered for one of our programs, I encourage you to consider it. I know from experience that you’ll be glad you did. You may even learn something along the way.
As always, thank you for everything you do to support Little River Chapter Trout Unlimited. Summertime, and the livin’ (oops) and the fishin’ is easy. And don’t forget to join us for the July picnic!
Kim
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