East Aurora Advertiser

Column: Pursue and Share the Outdoors – So Many Ways!



The outdoor experience allows us the opportunity for a new adventure story where the wonders of nature can unfold and be shared. Each experience is one more chance to develop a new skill, a new craft or a new or renewed understanding of that incredible world of the outdoors. Our tools can involve a fishing rod, a camera or firearm, a camping tent or many other choices that aid in the discovery of a humble and consummate adventure where the road ends and your walking boots take over. When we pursue the outdoors, we become something more significant, especially when we share.

Need a family place to start learning more about the outdoors? Check out Fishing “FryDay” for kids aged 4 to 14, where parents or family elders can join an Erie County Park Ranger in a different Erie County Park on Friday evenings to learn the basics of fishing. Beginning at 6 p.m., during one hour of fun instruction participants will learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, knot-tying, fishing ethics and aquatic ecology. Science is just about everywhere when we fish. Fishing poles are provided. This program is size limited due to equipment limitations. Parents or guardians must stay on-site and supervise their children, but parents do not need a fishing license for this program. To register for this free event, go to: https://www2.erie.gov/parks.

The next few “FryDay” fishing events are set in these locations. Addresses are included here:

-Aug. 6: Isle View Park – Boat Launch, 796 Niagara Street, Tonawanda 

-Aug. 13: Ellicott Creek Park – Shelter #7, 1 Ellicott Creek Drive, Tonawanda

-Aug. 20: Tow Path Park – Park Entrance, 28 Hertel Avenue, Buffalo

-Aug. 27: Chestnut Ridge Park – Fishermen’s Pier, 1610 Chestnut Ridge Road, Orchard Park

-Sept. 3: Sprague Brook Park – Shelter #1, 9674 Foote Road, Glenwood.

“FryDay Fishing” is held each Friday at a different Erie County Park location by Park Rangers to introduce kids and parents to the fun of fishing.

In another free information-sharing program for diligent parents and teachers looking to open new inroads for kids and students, the NYSDEC has started the I FISH NY program. The agency’s goal is to incorporate the idea of fishing with an understanding of the environment, ecology and aquatic sciences for students in grades 3-12. Teachers and parents have free access to lesson plans for their age-appropriate grade groups from the DEC. This is really pretty cool. Simply go to: https://www.dec.ny.gov/education/89975.html. 

The program’s primary goal is to increase fishing participation in NYS by increasing public awareness of the outstanding fishing opportunities we have here. The lesson plans provide information meant to increase knowledge of the fish and aquatic resources of NYS, as well as fishing techniques and skills necessary to be successful on the waterway. There are accompanying handouts and supplemental activities as well. This is an excellent resource for educators.

Darrin Schwenkbeck with two giant Silver Lake largemouth bass he caught during a July fishing tournament there. The fish were released alive.

If fishing is not your bag, perhaps outdoor photography is more your style. This Saturday, Aug. 7, is the fall session of Wild Photo Day at Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, 1963 Mill Rd., in West Falls. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This is a rare opportunity to photograph beautiful wildlife up-close, without barriers, in a natural setting. Eagles, owls, hawks, wild cats and more are on hand. Live flight demonstrations will be included. Pre-registration is required, as space is limited. Tickets are $60 per photographer or $30 per non-photographer (no camera), and can be purchased online. Visit www.hawkcreek.org or call (716) 652-8646 for info. Parking is free. The event is rain or shine.

Maybe you’re looking for that 5-million star outdoor experience? Here it is. On Tuesday, Aug. 10, from 9 to10:30 p.m. at Knox Farm State Park, a program entitled “Under a Perseid Sky” is offered. The Perseid meteor shower can produce 50-100 meteors per hour, making it one of the most spectacular events of every summer. Attendees can bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the shooting stars. For information and registration, call 716-549-1050.

Maybe biking and kayaking are among your outdoor interests. On Wed., Aug. 11, sign up for the “Slow Row” from 6 to 8:30 p.m. You can join Slow Roll and Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper for a night of bicycling, kayaking and fellowship on the Buffalo River. The full experience includes a guided ride along the river and open kayaking with designated stops to learn about Waterkeeper’s work to transform the once dead Buffalo River into a revitalized destination, followed by an after-party with food and drinks. You can choose to only paddle, only pedal, or both. Purchase of a ticket includes the ride, refreshments, after-party, a commemorative “Ticket-to-Roll” T-Shirt and more. Kayaks are provided. All proceeds go to keeping Slow Roll Buffalo free for all. This ride is rated GEAR 1. It is appropriate for riders of all experience levels. Get tickets for $30 – $50 at https://slowrollbuffalo.org.  

If archery is in your future, now is the time to get started. Weekly 3D archery shoots are offered by Evans Rod and Gun Club every Wednesday at 4 pm, West Falls Conservation Society every Thursday at 4 p.m. and Allied Sportsmen in Alden every Thursday at 5 p.m. The events include wildlife targets to help would-be big game archers prepare for the Southern Zone big game hunting season. Black bear and whitetail deer seasons begin on Oct. 1 in NYS. Several of these groups, including Hawkeye Bowmen in Alden, offer free educational archery courses. Allied Sportsmen also offers open trapshooting and handgun safety courses, open to the public. For more information, call (716) 937-3615.

August is National Shooting Sports Month. Millions of first time firearm owners will find August a great time to enjoy using their new firearms, whether through a training course, competition or simply having fun shooting targets with friends. The National Shooting Sports Foundation estimates that 8.4 million people purchased their first firearm last year with many of them being non-traditional buyers. 

No matter your choice (or choices) from the above, as sunset approaches each day, it’s a good time to make time for a family campfire. The flicker of the flames sends home the real message of the outdoors: peace to all. Enjoy!

Outdoors Calendar

Aug. 5: Public hearing, for Erie County 12-13 yr-old big game firearm hunting w with adult mentor, 6 p.m., 92 Franklin St., 4th floor, Buffalo, NY 

Aug. 5: 3D Archery Shoot, West Falls Conservation Society, 55 Bridge St., 4 p.m., for info: Mike Cummins, 655-5030

Aug. 5: 3D Archery Shoot, 5 p.m., Allied Sportsmen, 12846 Clinton St., Alden, call 937-3615 for info.

Aug. 7: Wild Photo Day, Hawk Creek Wildlife Center, 1963 Mill Rd., West Falls, 652-8646 for info.   

Aug. 10: Perseid Meteor Shower watch, Knox Farm State Park, 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., call 549-1050.

Aug. 11: Slow Roll/Paddle, 6 to 8:30 p.m., Kayaks/Bikes, Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, slowrollbuffalo.org.

Aug. 11: 3D Archery Shoot, Evans Rod & Gun, 864 Cain Rd., 4 p.m., for info: Jerry Gorski, 549-7251

Aug-Sep: Online NYS Hunter-Safety education, visit www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7860.html. Fee required.

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Share life with others, make new friends in the outdoors, lead by example. Send comments to nugdor@yahoo.com.

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