Show Your Love for the Wicomico River – Adopt a Creekwatchers Sampling Site!
On April 20th, 2024, the community came together for the Invasive Species Fishing Tournament, a day that combined recreation with education in a unique way. Focused on tackling the ecological challenges posed by invasive species in the Wicomico River and other watersheds, this event offered a fun yet meaningful opportunity to engage with nature and learn about conservation efforts.
The day kicked off with guided fishing sessions for youth, where participants had the chance to reel in fish while learning about the impacts of invasive species on our local ecosystems. One youth participant stood out by catching two large blue catfish, making them the winner of the day! In addition to fishing, attendees enjoyed educational sessions, live entertainment, and hands-on activities, making it a well-rounded event for all ages. In addition to fishing, attendees enjoyed educational sessions, live entertainment, and hands-on activities, making it a well-rounded event for all ages.
As the tournament concluded, the celebration continued with a lively performance from local band, The Folk Villains. Their music helped create a festive atmosphere, wrapping up the event with a fun and engaging community gathering.
Through this event, we were able to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining ecological balance in our waterways. Participants left with a deeper understanding of how invasive species, like the blue catfish and snakehead, disrupt local ecosystems, and why it's critical to control their populations for the health of the Chesapeake Bay and Wicomico River.
A huge thank you to all who participated and supported the event! Your efforts and enthusiasm are helping us create a more sustainable future for our local waters. We look forward to seeing you next year as we continue to work toward preserving our precious natural resources!