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HILLSBORO, Mo.— A lifelong passion for the outdoors and conservation might just begin with that first dip of a bobber.
That’s one of the reasons the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants to help families and kids learn how to fish through its Discover Nature—Fishing (DNF) program. To expand the reach of the program, MDC is offering a DNF Educator Training Workshop designed specifically for teachers that will enable them to integrate fishing into their school curricula. The workshop will be held Saturday, Dec. 4 from 12-3 p.m. at Hillsboro High School, 123 Leon Hall Parkway in Hillsboro.
“Fishing is a great way to engage students in outdoor pursuits and in learning about conservation. The DNF unit can be integrated into school curriculum to provide instruction that helps students gain the skills and confidence to go fishing on their own,” said MDC Conservation Educator, Conrad Mallady.
DNF consists of four progressive lessons that move newcomers through all the basics of the sport. The program teaches students about fishing equipment, casting, rigging a fishing rod, baiting a hook, and proper handling of fish. They also learn about fish identification, fish habitat, and how to stock a basic tackle box.
This DNF Educator Training Workshop will cover how to conduct the four DNF lessons, how to use DNF equipment, and how to schedule a fishing field trip. MDC will provide each participant with a DNF Instructor Guide. The workshop will outline detailed teaching strategies to help educators engage students and guide them toward understanding concepts and mastering the skills. Participants in this workshop will be eligible to obtain DNF teaching kits that include fishing poles and equipment used to conduct the four DNF lessons. They can also participate in the DNF – Schools transportation grant program. Possession of a current Missouri fishing permit is required for teachers/educators under the age of 65 to attend this workshop.
The DNF Educator Training Workshop is free to teachers and educators, but advance online registration is required. To sign up, go to the MDC Teacher Portal at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zyd and log in with account credentials. To create a new account, go to https://short.mdc.mo.gov/ZyP.
For more information, contact MDC Conservation Educator Conrad Mallady at 314-577-9555, ext. 76044, or Conrad.Mallady@mdc.mo.gov.
As this is an in-person activity, MDC asks all participants to observe current local COVID-19 social distancing and masking guidelines. Bringing and wearing face coverings is encouraged when appropriate.
To find out more about the DNF program, visit https://short.mdc.mo.gov/Zty.
