Good Morning Gloucester

MassWildlife Earth Week Events

In celebration of Earth Week next week, MassWildlife will be holding a variety of events to which the public is invited. You are receiving this information because there is an event in your area. Thank you for helping us publicize these events.

April 24 and May 1: Adult Learn to Fish Course, Westborough This is a two session adult only fishing course designed for beginners. Come learn how to make this great pastime part of your life. The first session will be held on Wednesday, April 24 at the MassWildlife Field Headquarters (1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough), 6–8 p.m. The second session will be held on the water (Location TBD) on Wednesday, May 1, 6–8 p.m. *Open to the public. Pre-registration is required. For more information or to pre-register, contact Jim Lagacy at jim.lagacy@mass.gov or (508) 389-6309.

April 25: Stock Trout at Jamaica Pond, Boston.  Meet the stocking trucks at 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at the Jamaica Pond Beach Area, Jamaicaway, Boston, between Pond Street and Elliott Circle and help stock fish for this annual “rite of spring”.  Annually, MassWildlife stocks brook, brown, rainbow, and tiger trout to more than 500 rivers, streams, lakes and ponds throughout the Commonwealth each year for anglers of all ages.  Approximately 500,000 trout grown at MassWildlife’s hatcheries will be stocked this spring through the month of May.  Trout stocking schedules are updated on the agency website daily through the trout stocking season for the convenience of the state’s anglers. (www.mass.gov/trout) Anglers 15 years old and older need a fishing license to fish in Jamaica Pond and all other fresh water bodies in Massachusetts. Young people under 15 don’t need a license to fish. License fees pay for the stocking program and other fish and wildlife conservation and recreation programs. Purchase a license online at www.mass.gov/massfishhunt or in person atMassWildlife offices or select sporting goods stores.

April 26: Take a Lunch Break Bird Walk, Rockport – Celebrate Earth Week with MassWildlife Technician Josh Gahagan as he leads free Lunch Break Bird Walk from Noon to 1PM at Halibut Point State Park in Rockport. Participants will search for early spring migrants such as warblers and thrushes in the woods, as well as any lingering sea ducks on the oceanfront. Paths are level and easy strolling for most people, but muddy areas are possible. Wear appropriate footwear for this rain or shine event. Bring binoculars if you have them. MassWildlife may loan a few extra binoculars, spotting scope, and field guides. Handouts about Massachusetts birds and other birding resources will also be provided.  No pre-registration necessary. For more information, contact Marion Larson at marion.larson@mass.gov or call 508-389-6360.

April 27: Cops and Bobbers Family Fishing Festival, Springfield – This event is intended for children 12 and under and their families. This is a free, learn to fish event at Forest Park (299 Sumner Ave. Springfield, MA 01108) from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bring your fishing equipment, or borrow ours; limited equipment and bait will be provided. This event is in cooperation with the Springfield Elks, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Springfield Parks Department. *Open to the public. Pre-registration required. For more information or to pre-register, contact Jennifer Lapis at jennifer_lapis@fws.gov or (413) 256-5502. 

April 28: Earth Day Fishing Clinic, Middleton – This is a free, family friendly “learn to fish” program at Creighton Pond Camp (210 Essex St.) at the Middleton Stream Team Earth Day Festival from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, May 5. This event is in cooperation with the Middleton Stream Team. *Open to the public. No pre-registration required. Contact mstmiddletonma@gmail.com for more information.