On Earth Day, Saturday April 22 at 10 a.m., the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA) will officially open the pond at St. Johns Conservation Area for another trout fishing season. Visitors are welcome to attend and enjoy a spring outing in nature with family, friends and the community at this fun educational event.
“We’re excited to welcome visitors to St. Johns and we look forward to engaging our community in outdoor education and recreation, and the conservation of native species that call this area home,” says Alicia Powell, Manager, Conservation Areas Programs and Services, NPCA. “The day is a perfect opportunity for anglers of all ages and experience levels, and anyone looking to step out into nature this spring.”
The NPCA is especially pleased to welcome guests to St. Johns Conservation Area this season following the completion of the 2022 site upgrades, which saw improvements to the site’s entrance lane and parking area, as well as the addition of an accessible trail to the pond.
Visitors will have the opportunity to add to their tacklebox of conservation knowledge and learn more about local initiatives at information tents featuring the NPCA, as well as groups such as the Niagara River Remedial Action Plan.
Niagara Conservation Peninsula Foundation board members and staff will also be on site to showcase and share more about their memorial program that provides opportunities for visitors and supporters to honour the memory of loved ones at NPCA sites, while also making a positive impact on the environment. A newly installed memorial bench at the St. Johns site will be on display for guests looking to learn more about the program and memorial opportunities.
Gates will open at 9 a.m. and the pond and trout fishing season will officially launch at 10 a.m., following a ceremonial first cast. The public education components will be on display until 1 p.m.; however, visitors are welcome to continue hiking and fishing throughout the afternoon.
Admission for the day is free and washrooms will be available on site. Guests must bring their own fishing gear, a valid Ontario fishing license is required, and conservation limits will also apply. Please check the Ontario Fishing Regulations website for more information.
St. Johns Conservation Area is located at 3101 Barron Road in Fonthill and guests and are encouraged to carpool or bike to the event as on-site parking is extremely limited.
NPCA Conservation Areas Rules and Regulations will be in effect for this event. As such, 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 also encouraged to ensure angling opportunities throughout the season for site visitors.
For more info about this community fishing and education day, visit https://npca.ca/events
Find out more about St. Johns Conservation Area and the NPCA at www.npca.ca
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About 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 63 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.
The NPCA is one of 36 Conservation Authorities in the Province of Ontario and manages 41 Conservation Areas within the Niagara Peninsula watershed held in public trust for recreation, heritage preservation, conservation, and education. These natural and shared greenspaces marry nature, culture, and adventure to create limitless opportunities for discovery.
The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority is a registered charitable organization.
Questions related to the above release should be directed to:
Erika Navarro, Communications Specialist
Mobile: 905-650-4027
enavarro@npca.ca