WORD ON THE STREET

and county on the harvest record and, within 72 hours, complete the reporting process through Georgia Game Check.

The Georgia Wildlife Resources Division fisheries section and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service have recently begun the 2018 trout stocking effort, and experts are predicting a good season for anglers.

Historically trout that are stocked in popular streams like Johns Creek in northern Floyd County were at least nine inches long. This year, fisheries staff will grow trout to 10 inches before stocking.

The number of trout stocked into any stream depends on a stream’s fishing pressure, accessibility and water conditions. In general, streams on public lands are stocked more often and with greater numbers of trout.

Trout require clean, cold water to survive and reproduce. Natural reproduction across North Georgia is minimal at best.

Pollinator workshop at Chieftains

Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home will host a workshop March 24 to help gardeners attract butterflies, birds, bees and other pollinators to their garden.

Floyd County Master Gardeners and the Floyd County Extension Office are partnering for the Designing Gardens for Pollinators Workshop at Chieftains Museum on Riverside Parkway from noon-2 p.m. March 24th.

The workshop will focus on plants that not only attract pollinators, but safely host their eggs and caterpillars and plans for year-long blooms.

The workshop is free however interested parties should register in advance with the Floyd County Extension Office at 705-295-6210.

Associate Editor and business columnist Doug Walker is always looking for news and tips about area businesses. To contact Doug, email him at DWalker@RN-T.com or call 706-290-5272.