9.30.2008

News Release

Fishing goes to school:
DNR offers workshops for educators, youth leaders

A hands-on workshop that gives educators tools to get kids outside and introduce them to the life-long activity of fishing is being offered at five locations throughout Minnesota in October.

“The workshops are open to anyone who works with youth including school teachers, scout leaders, home-school teachers, park and rec staff and volunteers,” said Jenifer Matthees, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) MinnAqua program supervisor. “If you want to introduce children to our natural resources and the fun of fishing, these workshops are for you.”

Each workshop explains the mission of MinnAqua, the DNR’s angling education program. Participants also will explore the activities and lesson plans that are part of MinnAqua’s award-winning leader’s guide “Fishing: Get in the Habitat!” and get hands-on demonstrations of fishing equipment.

No fishing experience is needed. Each participant will receive a copy of the leader’s guide and the accompanying CD to use in their education programs.MinnAqua’s angling education program leader’s guide meets statewide academic standards for grades 3-5 and fulfills the fishing requirements for Cub Scout, Girl Scout and 4-H programs.

Workshops are scheduled:
Saturday, Oct. 11, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, Eagan
Monday, Oct. 13, 4:30 - 8 p.m., Minnesota Zoo, Apple Valley
Thursday, Oct. 16, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Prairie Woods Environmental Learning Center, Spicer
Friday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Great Lakes Aquarium, Duluth
Saturday, Oct. 25, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Deep Portage Conservation Reserve near Hackensack.
Costs for the workshops range between $30 and $40 depending on meals included. Register online at http://mndnr.gov/minnaqua or via e-mail to

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