BREVARD, N.C. (May 30, 2014) — The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is offering several outdoors-related events and clinics in June through the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education in Transylvania County.

All events are free and require pre-registration on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• Nature Nuts: Raising Trout – June 10, 21& 27, 9-11 a.m. For ages 4-7 years old. Learn about the trout hatchery and feed the fish.
• Eco Explorers: Stream Investigation – June 21 & 27, 1-3 p.m. For ages 8-13. Explore the Davidson River looking for aquatic macro-invertebrates that play an important role in the ecosystem.
• Close-up Outdoor Photography – June 2, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. For ages 14 and older. For the advanced beginner, this class focuses on the fascinating world of tiny plants and animals. Walking shoes and a camera capable of manual control are suggested. 
• Kids’ Introduction to Fly Fishing – June 6 & 7, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For ages 8-15. Join experienced instructors in an introduction to fly-fishing. Topics will include equipment, knots, casting techniques and aquatic entomology. Equipment and materials provided. Bring a lunch. Limited to six participants.
• Salamanders – June 7, 9-11 a.m. Ages 8 and older. Learn to identify local species of salamanders and their habitat requirements.
• Fly-Fishing Skills; Casting for Beginners – June 10, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Ages 12 and older. Learn at your own pace at Lake Imaging in DuPont State Recreational Forest. All equipment provided. Bring a lunch.
• Pellet Rifle Shooting Range – June 11, 10-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Ages 8 and older. Learn about firearms, firearm safety and practice target shooting. Choose one program time in the morning or afternoon. 
• Catch and Cook – June 12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Ages 12 and older. Experience catching mountain trout and preparing the catch using favorite local recipes.
• Introduction to Tenkara 101 – June 13, 9-11 a.m. For ages 12 and older. Join Jason Sparks of Appalachian Tenkara, to learn about this form of traditional Japanese fly-fishing. Topics will include history, equipment, a perspective on Japanese flies (kebari), and using tenkara in local waters.
• Archery – June 14, 10-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Ages 8 and older. Topics include archery safety and target shooting. Choose one program time in the morning or afternoon.
• Be Bear-Aware – June 14, 1-3 p.m. For all ages. Learn about black bears and how to coexist safely with them.
• A Week in the Water – June 16-20 or June 23-27. 9 a.m.-noon daily. Ages 8-15. A weeklong hands-on class focusing on the art of fly-fishing. Spend the final two days fishing on the Davidson River. Choose one of the two weeks.
• Introduction to Tenkara: Level II – June 21, 9-11 a.m. Ages 14 and older. Join Jason Sparks of Appalachian Tenkara, for the next step of tenkara fly-fishing. This program will include fishing techniques, detailed equipment options, and casting mechanics for the angler ready to learn advanced techniques.
• Gone Fishin’ – June 24, 9-11 a.m. Ages 5-12. Learn fishing skills and water safety on a local lake. Equipment provided. Meet at High Falls parking area and enjoy a hayride to the lake before fishing. 
• Kebari Fly-Tying 101 – June 28, 9 a.m.-noon. Ages 14 and older. Jason Sparks and his team will introduce and instruct in the art of Japanese fly-tying, “kebari.”  All materials provided.

For more information or to pre-register, call 828-877-4423, or sign up online.

The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education is located near Brevard, just south of Asheville, alongside the Davidson River in Transylvania County. The center features nature trails and five large aquariums representing different aquatic habitats. Visitors to the center also can walk next door to the Bobby N. Setzer Fish Hatchery, where trout are raised in 54 raceways. The center’s hours of operation through November are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m.-4:45 p.m.

For more information on the four learning centers operated by the Wildlife Commission and other activities and events, visit www.ncwildlife.org/enjoying.;
Media Contact:
Lee Sherrill
828-877-4423
lee.sherrill@ncwildlife.org