Manhattan Project park launches fishing education
The Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge will offer monthly fishing education programs, “Let’s Go Fishing,” in June, July, August and September.
The new offerings, made possible through a grant from the National Park Foundation, aim to promote fishing as an educational, safe and enjoyable outdoor recreational activity for youth ages 12 and younger while connecting them with the park and local waterways, according to a news release.
During each program, youth will work with park rangers and volunteers to learn the basics of fishing, from knot-tying to stewardship of the river. The activities, along with hands-on fishing, will earn participants a Junior Ranger angler badge.
Each participant will receive a fishing pole and basic tackle to use during the program. At the conclusion of the program, participants may keep their Junior Ranger angler badge and fishing equipment.
“We are pleased to have the support of the National Park Foundation to expand youth programs in Oak Ridge,” Niki Nicholas, site manager of the Oak Ridge unit of Manhattan Project National Historical Park, said in the news release. “Without the Clinch River, there might not have been a Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge. These programs will expand offerings and keep the park accessible.”
May park events
The National Park Service also has several upcoming events planned in Oak Ridge as Manhattan Project National Historical Park celebrates its 10th year.
A guided ranger walk on the history of Jackson Square will take place at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, and Thursday, May 21. Participants should meet at 243 Jackson Square.
“Beyond the Bomb: Stories of the Atomic Age,” a free talk about peaceful uses of radiation, will begin at 2 p.m. at 210 Badger Ave., home of the ORAU Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity inside the Pollard Center.
The free Tennis Court Dance, featuring 1940s swing music, will be held Thursday, May 21, at 7 p.m. at the Jackson Square Tennis Courts, 96 W. Tennessee Ave.
During the free “Seeds of Victory: Open Gardens” program, participants can learn about the history of Victory Gardens and rationing across the American homefront through the site’s working history garden. The event will take place May 23 at 10 a.m. at the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge, 461 W. Outer Drive.
“Enriching Uranium in Happy Valley: Guided Ranger Walk at K-25” will be held May 30 at 11 a.m. at 200 Heritage Center Blvd.
