Another summer has come and gone, and I surely hope that it was as good to all of you as it was to me. Our North Jersey TU chapter was not in summer hibernation, as much as it might appear to have been: in July we sponsored the Annual Jefferson Township Youth Fishing Derby, followed by three nights of Fly Fishing for Beginners Classes at Station Park in Sparta, NJ; a presence during the New Jersey State Fair at the Sussex County Fair Grounds, and another enjoyable Chapter Picnic at Camp Mohican in Blairstown. A BIG thank you to all who turned out and lent a hand to make it all happen.

While most of these events were repeats of prior year’s activities, the Fly Fishing Course was not. The course represented something new and different and was directly aimed to benefit the residents of our host community, Sparta. Some 25 to 30 people took advantage of learning about our fly fishing passion, more than we ever had expected.

But wait… more new and exciting things are coming in the weeks ahead: on Saturday, September 23, we are participating in the annual Sparta Day event in Sparta NJ. We will have a table and offer activities for the kids in addition to fly casting and perhaps fly tying demonstrations.

And a month later, on Saturday October 21 our chapter is sponsoring the SPARTA GLEN FALL FUN DAY, a first year anniversary celebration of the successful completion of the 2016 Glen Brook restoration project.

We’re bringing together organizations, supporters, and volunteers responsible for the restoration work --- all of whom have a common interest in the long-term health of the Sparta Glen Brook. We're aiming to increase community awareness of this special place, and to foster interest in nature and an appreciation of life in and around the brook and Glen, especially in children.

The Township will be placing a commemorative plaque in the Glen, in recognition of last year’s stream restoration and riparian planting project in and around the stream bed. Activities will include: stream restoration overview, aquatic insect identification, crafts/games for kids, fly tying demonstration, dedication ceremony, refreshments, and the informational tables.

All of this cannot be accomplished by only a handful of people. WE NEED ALL OF YOU to chip in and help to make this a success! Please don’t wait for a phone call or an e-mail. Let us know by phone or e-mail of your willingness to help, thereby contributing to the vitality and future of our Trout Unlimited Chapter. Fred S. Burroughs would!

Gone fishing!

Willi Huber