RELEASE THE FISH
Annual fish stocking event brings children of all ages to Geyser Creek
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.>> Children and parents across the area spent Wednesday morning releasing around 600 brown trout into Geyser Creek for an annual fish stocking event.
“This is like a rite of passage for spring in Saratoga,” said Saratoga Spa State Park environmental educator Alli Schweizer.
Schweizer has been involved with the program for the past 13 years she’s been at the park, but it’s been going on long before she took over the day.
“It’s great to see all the children out and connected with nature and being outside regardless of the weather,” said Schweizer.
It was a bit chilly Wednesday. Some children bundled up in winter coats.
“It’s snowed and the same amount of people came out as when it’s 75 and sunny,” said Schweizer.
Technicians from Van Hornesville Fish Hatchery, which is operated by the Department of Environmental Conservation, handed one fish per family. Families were encouraged to bring their own buckets to safely transfer the brown trout to the creek.
“It just brings the community out and together to help out our creek,” said Schweizer.
The annual fish stocking greatly benefits the area.
“It definitely helps out with our fishing,” said Schweizer. “It’s great to stock our brown trout so people can come out and fish for them.”
Schweizer said the state park currently partners with Trout Unlimited.
“[We] create a better habitat for the trout as well,” said Schweizer. “Improving their habitat is something we’re focused on right now.”
The event featured food, demonstrations and environmental displays.