SEBASTIAN — Earth Day is a few months out but already the Sebastian Natural Resources Board is hard at work hammering out the details for the four-hour event on Saturday April 21, which could – for the first time – include a kids’ fishing clinic.
Bill Russell, a member of the Sebastian Fishing Club, approached the board at its meeting Tuesday evening to pitch the idea of holding a Kids Hooked on Fishing program that morning. For about 2 or 2 ½ hours, children would learn how to tie a hook to the end of their fishing line, how to cast their line, fishing safety, fish conservation and other skills, Russell told the board.
“It would give kids a taste of what fishing is all about,” Russell said, adding that the program would be held free of charge.
Last year, the club held its program – not involved with the Earth Day event – and attracted 126 children. By tying the program to Earth Day, Russell said he would expect even more children to get involved.
“We would love to have you,” Natural Resources Board Chair Robin Graves told Russell, adding that she has reached out to the fishing club over the years to get them to participate in the annual event but, until now, had not been successful.
Russell said that, with the board’s approval, he would go back to his club members and ask if they would like to participate.
“That’s really the kind of audience we want to draw,” said board member Hank Kriss of the children. “This is an excellent avenue to partner with you.”
Along with discussing adding the fishing program to the agenda for the Earth Day celebration, the board talked about various kid-friendly and eco-themed activities beyond the peanut butter-birdseed pinecone birdfeeders.
They expect Ronald McDonald will make an appearance during the event and are trying to get Smokey the Bear to show as well.
The board is also working to secure various eco-minded groups to set up informational stations around Riverview Park and encourage such groups to contact the board by emailing Graves at mugwort2u@yahoo.com or City Records Program Manager – Donna Cyr by emailing dcyr@cityofsebastian.org. Those interested have until March 23 to sign up.
Earth Day will be held at Riverview Park on US 1 at County Road 512 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
