Our Stepping Stones Program was off the hook this past weekend! The program used fly fishing as a recreational pathway for students to learn about fisheries biology, conservation, and leadership skills development.
On Friday night, the students got acquainted with their peers with a few team-building activities and were given an introductory lesson about the connection between fly fishing and conservation. Everyone enjoyed a stream walk through the eyes of scientists and anglers – where the students discovered the relationship between a healthy forest and prime fishing locations.
Stream walk through the eyes of scientists and anglers.
Saturday was packed with action! The students spent the morning learning how to use a dichotomous key and assessing stream health through a macroinvertebrate survey. They then learned how anglers replicate macroinvertebrates while tying their flies in hopes of attracting fish to bite! Each student was provided a fly-tying kit and guidance from mentors to tie their own flies. Afterward, everyone headed outside for a casting lesson to learn fly fishing techniques. They spent plenty of time casting their lines in the stream, and some were lucky enough to catch fish!
Macroinvertebrate collections to assess stream health.
Casting lessons!
Fly tying demonstration.
Mentored fly fishing!
To top it off, on Sunday, students showcased what they learned to their families and received outreach training to prepare them to return to their home communities as Conservation Advocates! They will be conducting education, service, media, creative arts, and outdoor mentorship projects until mid-November.
We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s class of Conservation Advocates. Special thank you to the volunteers and mentors who helped make this weekend a success. Join us in casting out a big congratulations to our newest class of Conservation Advocates!
2025 Stepping Stones Program Recap
Posted: May 10, 2025 by Katie Mace
Our Stepping Stones Program was off the hook this past weekend! The program used fly fishing as a recreational pathway for students to learn about fisheries biology, conservation, and leadership skills development.
On Friday night, the students got acquainted with their peers with a few team-building activities and were given an introductory lesson about the connection between fly fishing and conservation. Everyone enjoyed a stream walk through the eyes of scientists and anglers – where the students discovered the relationship between a healthy forest and prime fishing locations.
Saturday was packed with action! The students spent the morning learning how to use a dichotomous key and assessing stream health through a macroinvertebrate survey. They then learned how anglers replicate macroinvertebrates while tying their flies in hopes of attracting fish to bite! Each student was provided a fly-tying kit and guidance from mentors to tie their own flies. Afterward, everyone headed outside for a casting lesson to learn fly fishing techniques. They spent plenty of time casting their lines in the stream, and some were lucky enough to catch fish!
To top it off, on Sunday, students showcased what they learned to their families and received outreach training to prepare them to return to their home communities as Conservation Advocates! They will be conducting education, service, media, creative arts, and outdoor mentorship projects until mid-November.
We are thrilled to celebrate this year’s class of Conservation Advocates. Special thank you to the volunteers and mentors who helped make this weekend a success. Join us in casting out a big congratulations to our newest class of Conservation Advocates!
Category: Youth Blog Tags: featured, fly fishing, outdoor mentorship, stepping stones program