Thirty-six youth learn fish ID, fishing and boating techniques
MANKATO -- Lovewell State Park hosted an Outdoor Kansas For Kids (OK KIDS) Day on Saturday, April 21, at the park's Southwinds Group Shelter. Thirty-six youngsters registered for the event, and T-shirts and Bass Pro pins were given to each participant.

Approximately 15 adults also participated. Activities began at 9 a.m. with instructional sessions on fish identification by Scott Waters, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) fisheries biologist for Lovewell Reservoir; instruction on fishing techniques and equipment and knot-tying by Rick Cleveland, Lovewell State Park manager; rod and reel casting by Rob Unruh, Lovewell public lands manager; and boating safety sessions by Erica Nighswonger, KDWP Boating Education Program coordinator, and Kandi Wallin, Lovewell State Park AmeriCorps team member.

All participants enjoyed a hot dog lunch provided by KDWP staff. A drawing for prizes was held after lunch.

Sponsors for OK KIDS events include Bass Pro Shops, Duckwall-Alco stores, Capital Federal Savings of Topeka, State Farm Insurance, the Kansas Wildscape Foundation, the Kansas Recreation and Parks Association, and KDWP. OK KIDS events are sponsored each year throughout Kansas to promote outdoor activities for youth. For more information on OK KIDS events, visit the Kansas Wildscape website, www.kansaswildscape.org.
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