It’s a tradition that’s over 60 years strong, a local show of environmental activism that helps secure trout stocks in our community.
Volunteers make the trek to Cobourg Creek each year with friends and family in tow to help migrating rainbow trout make it past the falls of Cobourg Creek.
Organizer Christine Clarke told us that she’s carrying on the tradition that was started by her late grandfather and his friends over 60 years ago.
Clarke told us that the fish will ultimately make their way to Baltimore where they spawn each year – a journey that takes about 3 days once they’ve been lifted.
According to Clarke, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) oversees the operation.
Clarke told us that they are in need of as many volunteers as they can get – ideally with hip or chest waders – to help them lift as many fish as possible.
As in past years, students looking for volunteer hours are encouraged to come out and help.
Volunteers of all ages are invited to participate in the lift which will take place at the corner of Elgin and Ontario Streets on March 23rd starting at 8:30 am.
Bring a net, your chest or hip waders and a warm change of clothes (just in case) and be prepared for some family-friendly fun.
A special thanks to sponsors John Foley from Foodland, Rob Chadwick of Chadwick’s Towing and Repairs and Shane Weatherby of G7 Sports Group who helped secure nets, cloth sacks and a chain link fence to aid in moving the trout.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
