Hooked On Fishing, Not On Drugs Coming To Mercer County

Mercer County residents will have the chance to learn about a nationally recognized state outdoor education program officials are trying to bring to Trenton-area youth later this month. Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs is a youth education program created by the Future Fisherman Foundation that works with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.

The goal is to encourage children ages 11-13 to avoid tobacco, drug and alcohol usage by providing alternative activities while having fun. Participants can learn to fish, discover aquatic and environmental resources and develop positive life skills.

The Mercer County Park Commission plans to launch a Hooked on Drugs chapter at the Tulpehaking Nature Center, officials announced this week. Staff at the center, located at 157 Westcott Avenue in Hamilton Township, will provide environmental education and plan activities.

An open information session for local parents will be held on Thursday, April 19, 6:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. at the Tulpehaking Nature Center. The county is seeking the community’s input in helping to shape the program. To register for the session, call the nature center at 609-888-3218.

“Today’s kids need an avenue into the outdoors,” Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said. “This program provides a safe environment where kids can learn beneficial new skills.”

“The outdoors belongs to everyone and I am heartened to have the help of the Park Commission in bringing this program to our area’s children,” said Cody McLaughlin, a Trenton resident who is partnering with the Park Commission to help launch the program.

The Tulpehaking Nature Center is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. The nature center provides programs and exhibits that encourage visitors to explore and discover the many cultural, historic and natural resources of the Abbott Marshlands. It is owned by the County of Mercer and operated by the Mercer County Park Commission.

For more information about the nature center, programs and schedule of events, visit www.mercercountyparks.org.

Patch file photo