Youth in southeast Iowa will have the opportunity to have some fun in the winter weather thanks to the work of two organizations.

Washington County 4-H and the Washington County Conservation Board are teaming up to host the second annual “Fish On” youth ice fishing clinic. Youth will have the chance to learn about ice fishing safety, equipment, fish species, fishing technology and careers in fishing. Teaching will be led by Conservation Naturalist Megan Jorgenson, Iowa Department of Natural Resources officers and local volunteers.

County 4-H Coordinator Amy Green says thanks to sponsors, every participant will go home with their own fishing pole, ice scoop, lures and bucket. She shares that they decided to continue the clinic this year because of the impact they saw from last year’s event, “It was just really powerful to see that many kids with caring adults. Whether it was the adults they brought with them and they were learning together or whether it was the volunteers that we had, for all of them to be outside and engaged. Closely interacting and learning something new. And the excitement for anyone when we catch a fish, is exciting. And then when it’s through the ice and when it’s the kids who have never done it before, it’s just like ‘fun, fun, fun’ all over again.”

The clinic is scheduled from 8 to 10:30 a.m. at Marr Park on January 22nd. Green says that all slots have been filled but if they can get more volunteers to assist kids then more slots will become available. Those interested are encouraged to contact Green at the Washington County ISU Extension Office. Following the clinic, conservation will be hosting a snowshoeing and sledding event from 1 to 3 p.m. There is no cost and snowshoes will be provided along with hot chocolate at the conservation education center. Participants are asked to bring their own sled.