BREVARD, N.C. (April 28, 2017) – The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission’s Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is offering free outdoor-related workshops for all ages and skill levels in May. 

The workshops are open on first-come, first-serve basis.  Online registration is required.

In addition to the public programs listed below, the Commission offers group programs for 10 or more people who call to schedule a program. Groups can schedule the date, time and topic of the program. For more information on group programs or the public programs listed below, call 828-877-4423.

May 4 – Introduction to Fly Fishing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to ages 12 and up. Learn the basics of fly fishing, such as equipment, knots, casting and aquatic entomology. All equipment and materials will be provided. Participants should bring a lunch.

May 6 – Introduction to Tenkara from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open to participants 14 and older. Join guest presenter Jason Sparks of Appalachian Tenkara as he introduces the newly popular form of traditional Japanese fly fishing, tenkara. Topics covered will include a history of angling style, equipment orientation, a unique perspective on Japanese flies (kebari), and tenkara methods to use in local waters. A hands-on learning session will follow the classroom instruction. Participants should bring a lunch. Limited to 15 participants.

May 6 and May 15 – Nature Nuts: Stream Investigation from 9 to 11 a.m. Open to ages 4–7. Spend the morning with Pisgah Center staff on the Davidson River, looking for aquatic macro invertebrates. Determine the river’s water quality based on what little critters are found and learn how they play such an important role in the ecosystem and to mountain trout. Participants should be prepared to get wet, so swimsuits and a towel are recommended.

May 6 and May 15 – Eco Explorers: Stream Stats from 1 to 3 p.m. Open to ages 8–13. Join Pisgah Center staff in a very hands-on approach to learning about water quality in the Davidson River and the importance of good water quality for aquatic organisms, such as mountain trout. Participants should plan to get wet while analyzing flow rates, dissolved oxygen levels, pH levels and more.

May 9 – On the Water: North Fork Mills River from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open to participants 12 and older. Participants will practice their fly-fishing skills under the supervision of experienced fly-fishing instructors. Participants will learn about delayed-harvest trout regulations, wading, reading the water, fly selection, presentation, casting, knots and stream entomology. Equipment and materials will be provided. Participants will meet at the parking area adjacent to the North Mills River Campground.

May 11 – On the Water: Little River from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Open to participants 12 and older. Participants will practice their fly-fishing skills on the Little River in DuPont State Recreational Forest under the supervision of experienced fly-fishing instructors. Participants will learn about delayed-harvest trout regulations, wading, reading the water, fly selection, presentation, casting, knots and stream entomology. Equipment and materials will be provided. Participants will meet at Hooker Falls parking area.

May 12 – Birding Hike from 9 a.m. to noon. Open to participants 12 and older. Participants will take a short, relaxing hike through Pisgah National Forest, learning to identify common bird species found in the area. This class is designed for the beginner birder. Participants should bring water and good hiking shoes.

May 13 – Backyard Birding by Ear: For Beginners from 9 a.m. to noon. Open to participants ages 10 and up who enjoy listening to birds in the morning. Learn how to identify common backyard birds by their calls and songs. Participants will start in the classroom with some listening quizzes and then move outside to put their listening skills to the test. Participants should come prepared for light hiking.

May 20 – Fly Tying for the Beginner from 9 a.m. to noon. Open to ages 12 and older. Learn the basics of fly tying during this introductory level class. Participants will work at their own pace to tie a basic pattern. Equipment and materials will be provided.

May 20 – Smartphone Photography from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open to ages 12 and older. Learn the basics of photography and composition while focusing on wildlife and their habitats, using a mobile device. Participants should wear sturdy shoes and bring a smartphone, tablet or other mobile device for a morning of learning and clicking.

May 22 – Introduction to Fly Fishing from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to ages 12 and older. Learn the basics of fly fishing, such as equipment, knots and casting before spending a couple of hours fishing the Davidson River. All equipment and materials will be provided. Participants should bring a lunch.

May 24 – Casting for Beginners: Level 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Open to ages 12 and up. This is a perfect introductory workshop for beginners. Participants will learn various casting techniques at their own pace from experienced instructors. This class will be held at Lake Imaging in DuPont State Recreational Forest. All equipment and materials will be provided. Participants should bring a lunch.

May 26 – Introduction to Fly Fishing: Lake Fishing from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Open to ages 12 and up. Learn the basics of fly fishing on a local lake. Topics covered include equipment, knots, casting techniques and aquatic entomology. Equipment and materials will be provided. Participants should bring a lunch and meet at High Falls parking area in DuPont State Recreational Forest. Limited to six participants who must have completed the Introduction to Fly Fishing class or have equivalent experience before taking this class. 

May 30 – On the Water: Davidson River from 9 a.m. to noon. Open to participants 12 and up. Practice fly-fishing skills under the supervision of our experienced fly-fishing instructors. Learn about wading, reading the water, fly selection, presentation, casting, knots and stream entomology during a fun and relaxed morning of fishing. Limited to six participants. Equipment and materials will be provided.

For more information on May workshops, call 828-877-4423, or sign up online. The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is located near Brevard, just south of Asheville, by the Davidson River in Transylvania County. The center features nature trails and five large aquariums representing aquatic mountain habitats. The center is adjacent to the Bobby N. Setzer State Fish Hatchery, where trout are raised in 54 raceways. The center is open Monday through Friday from December through March, and Monday through Saturday from April through November. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

For more information on the Wildlife Commission’s four wildlife education centers and other activities and events, visit www.ncwildlife.org/learning.