An Earth Week Invite to All from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
An Invite from the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority
Posted April 21st, 2022 on Niagara At Large
Children enjoying the annual trout fishing event at NPCA’s St. John’s Conservation Area. Photo courtesy of NPCA
This Saturday, April 23, the pond at St. Johns Conservation Area (in Pelham, Niagara’s Effingham area) will officially open for another trout fishing season, starting at 10 a.m.
Visitors are welcome to enjoy a spring outing in nature with family and friends at the first community fishing day held at St. Johns Conservation Area since the pandemic.
“We are excited to welcome visitors to St. Johns and look forward to engaging them in outdoor education and recreation, and the conservation of the native species that call this area home,” says Alicia Powell, Manager of Conservation Area Services at the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA).
“This day is perfect for anglers of all ages and experience levels, from amateurs to seasoned pros, and anyone interested in stepping into nature this spring.”
At St. John’s Conservation Area’s annual trout fishing opening, Photo courtesy of NPCA
Upon arrival, guests can visit the NPCA informational tent to access fishing and educational materials, or check out several community partners to learn about conservation initiatives across the watershed. Visit with community groups and partners like the Niagara Chapter Trout Unlimited, Niagara River Remedial Action Plan, Welland Jackfish, and information from the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters.
The opening of trout season at St. Johns Conservation Area serves as the ideal opportunity to honour the late Dominic ‘Mickey’ DiFruscio, one of NPCA’s most avid supporters who never missed the opening of trout season and threw the ceremonial first cast for many years. His wife, Elizabeth DiFruscio, will throw the ceremonial first cast at 10 a.m. in Mickey’s tribute.
The late Mickey DiFruscio, a longtime NPCA board member from Thorold, at St. Johns Poind in years gone by. Photo courtesy of NPCA
Mickey served on the NPCA Board of Directors for 25 years as the City of Thorold’s citizen representative, and was an Honourary Lifetime Member due to his dedication and commitment to conservation. He was a firm believer in the work of the NPCA and was always willing and happy to support it.
Mickey attended countless community events and public meetings as an ambassador of the work of conservation and was never shy to go a step further and lead by example by rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty at community plantings.
Gates will open at 9 a.m. and the pond will officially open at 10 a.m., following the first cast.
The education and outreach components will end at 1 p.m.; however, visitors are welcome to continue hiking and fishing through the afternoon. “St. Johns is an exceptional natural area for the public to experience, with many recreational opportunities like fishing, birding, and hiking. The conservation area features a wide variety of Carolinian species and unique escarpment features to see and appreciate,” adds Powell.
Admission to the conservation area is free and washrooms will be available.
Please note that food will not be available for purchase, and there will be no additional programming this year. Guest must bring their own gear to fish and are encouraged to carpool as parking is minimal.
St. Johns Conservation Area is located at 3101 Barron Road in Fonthill. A valid Fishing License is required, and conservation limits will apply. Please check the Ontario Fishing Regulations.
The NPCA’s Conservation Areas Rules and Regulations apply. Anglers are asked to refrain from using live bait, and artificial lures are recommended to reduce the introduction of pollutants into the pond’s ecosystem. ‘Catch and release’ is encouraged to ensure the community’s angling opportunities throughout the season.
For more information about this community fishing day, visit https://npca.ca/events
Find out more about St. Johns Conservation Area and the NPCA at www.npca.ca. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more updates.
About the NPCA – The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) is a community-based natural resource management agency that works to protect, enhance, and sustain healthy watersheds. With more than 60 years of experience, the NPCA offers watershed programs and services that focus on flood and hazard management, source water protection, species protection, ecosystem restoration, community stewardship, and land management.
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