Park and nonprofit partners led a day of fishing, canoeing, and nature exploration for families this summer at Marsh Creek State Park, with instruction in both English and Spanish.
Last month, Stroud Water Research Center’s Education Department led a family day at Marsh Creek State Park with Mighty Writers El Futuro, a nonprofit in Toughkenamon, Pennsylvania, that supports and uplifts Latino culture and families in southern Chester County through Mommy & Me programs, job readiness for teens, and a daily after-school writing academy.
About 80 people from the Mighty Writers and local migrant community enjoyed canoeing, fishing, picnicking, and more.
The event, made possible by the collaboration with our wonderful state park partners, fostered intercultural communication and community building.
It was a beautiful, clear day to be in nature and explore the lake and park.
Stroud Center educators gave paddling instructions and, with the help of state park naturalists, gave a brief history of the area in English and Spanish.
Naturalists guided families on a walk through the woods and taught them about the wildlife found in the park. Sightings included herons, cormorants, and even a bald eagle!
Then, everyone cooled off in the shade with some fishing. Stroud Center educators taught those with limited fishing experience to cast into brightly colored hula hoops in the grass before trying their luck in the water. Others went straight to the water, fishing and sharing their knowledge with others.
Community volunteers helped with translation and removing knots from fishing lines.
Watershed Education Specialist Kathryn Metzker says, “We hope this event encourages families to return to the lake and take part in the beautiful nature we protect together for all to enjoy.”
In July, Stroud Center educators will go to Mighty Writers’ site in Toughkenamon for their summer camp to teach community members about healthy streams.
