CCA and TLA Partner on Youth Nature/Angling Program

Parents and youth leaders agree there is immeasurable value in Skidaway youngsters not only spending more time outdoors but also learning more about our island’s rich and varied natural environment. For approximately 20 island youngsters and their parents, an inaugural program provided by our local Coastal Conservation Association Chapter (CCA) and The Landings Association (TLA) on Saturday, June 26, provided an outdoor class on not only what makes nature tick, but what makes nature buzz.

The event took place at the CCA Outdoor Education Center located at the Kids’ Fishing Lagoon located adjacent to the Oakridge Fire Station at the corner of Westcross and Log Landing Roads. The featured educator at this first-of-its-kind event was island resident and noted apiarist, Dr. Barbara Phillips. Phillips, a Master Beekeeper, provided both children and their parents with a fascinating look at the world of honey bees, focusing not only on what bees produce, such as honey, beeswax, and propolis (a resin-like material from the buds of trees usually obtained from beehives), but also the critical role they play in the pollination of plants and flowers.

“A key goal of the Skidaway CCA Chapter is to use our Outdoor Education Center not just for CCA events but as a resource for all our island’s nature and outdoor-oriented groups. We are very pleased that The Landings Association is very supportive of and working closely with us on this valuable educational outreach,” noted CCA Chapter President Dave Devore.

Following Phillips’ presentation, parents and their children were off to the Kids’ Lagoon for an hour or so of fishing. CCA volunteers were on hand with plenty of bait and rods-and-reels.

The next event of the newly named, Cast Away Club will take place on Saturday, July 20, from 9 to 11 a.m. and feature a presentation on bats from island resident Jean Deitch and bat expert Scott Helmreich. The program is free of charge to island residents, their children, and guests, but registration is required by emailing fishinfun.CCASkidaway@gmail.com.