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CELEBRATE NATIONAL FISHING & BOATING WEEK, JUNE 2!
FREE FISHING CLINIC & DERBY - KIDS 5-15
Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, The Friends of Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, and Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation are sponsoring an exciting, fun-filled day of fishing that kids will remember for a lifetime. Kids 5-15 are invited to learn the how to of fishing on June 2 at Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Community youngsters are invited to come to Wilna Pond to take part in the Fishing Clinic and fishing fun at the Kids Fishing Day from 9:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. on Saturday, June 2nd.
There will be a free clinic between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. with fun activities where kids can learn to identify fish and their habitat, knot tying skills, casting techniques, and water safety. Kids will then have the opportunity to put their new skills to the test at the Kids All-American Fishing Derby being held at Wilna pond from 10 a.m. to 1:00p.m. This is a great opportunity for kids to learn about fishing, have fun, and win prizes.
In addition to the free fishing, the day will include grilled hotdogs, prize drawings, goodie bags full of giveaways, and fun contests.
Kids who want to participate in the Refuge Derby must pre-register at (804) 333-1470. Please call early as space is limited!!! Registrations will be accepted May 14 – May 31, 2012. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The Refuge
Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is the newest of four refuges that comprise the Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Established in 1996, the goal of the Refuge is to protect 20,000 acres of wetlands and associated uplands along the River and its major tributaries. As of September 2008, a total of 8,191 acres have been purchased from willing sellers or donated by Refuge partners, including 1,660 acres of conservation easements. With help from our conservation partners, including Chesapeake Bay Foundation, The Conservation Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and Trust for Public Land, we are well on our way toward achieving our land protections goal.
History
The Atlantic Flyway Council first proposed establishing a national wildlife refuge on the Rappahannock River in the early 1960s. However, it wasn’t until the early 1990s that individuals, conservation organizations, and government agencies united to develop a plan for conserving the natural resources of the river for future generations. Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge was formally proposed in 1994, and the first tract was acquired in 1996.
Throughout its history, the Rappahannock River has nurtured native Americans, the earliest colonists, and Revolutionary War heroes. Today the river continues to sustain many of their direct descendants. Archeological and historic sites are abundant on both sides of the river. The 18th century Bristol Iron Works was located adjacent to the refuge’s Toby’s Point Tract, while the Leedstown Resolves, a 1766 protest against the Stamp Act, was signed near the refuge’s Mothershead Tract. Old pilings can still be seen from the days when steamboats made regular stops to pick up produce and passengers for transport to the Port of Baltimore.
Agriculture and forestry remain the predominant land uses and sources for the area’s economy, as they have for centuries. Some still make their living on the river, crabbing and fishing, while wildlife recreation and tourism are becoming increasingly important economic engines for the region. As the refuge grows, it will make increasing contributions to the local culture and economy as we work with partners to conserve natural resources, improve water quality, and provide compatible, wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
