Transcript
Mikey Lamarre: IN CENTRAL NEW YORK FISHSTOCK IS THEIR GROUNDSHOG DAY. AT GREEN LAKES STATE PARK, CARS AND PEOPLE LINED UP FOR THE ANNUAL FISH STOCKING EVENT. ATTENDEES ENJOYED THE OUTDOORS, YARD GAMES, FOOD, AND EVEN HAD THE CHANCE TO RELEASE FISH INTO THE LAKE, BUT FOR THE KIDDOS, IT’S MUCH MORE THAN JUST THAT
Katie Mulverhill: A LOT OF THE KIDS, THEY HAVEN’T HAD A CLOSE INTERACTION WITH A FISH BEFORE. SO, THIS IS A REALLY FUN WAY TO GET TO GIVE THEM THAT EXPERIENCE. THIS MIGHT BE THE FIRST TIME THEY’VE SEEN A FISH UP CLOSE BEFORE
Mikey: FIRST TIME FISH STOCKER CONNER LOVED THE EXPERIENCE AND WAS HAPPY TO LET HIS NEW FRIEND OUT INTO THE WATER
ERIC STANCZYK SUPERINTENDENT OF THE CARPENTER’S BROOK FISH HATCHERY SAYS NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO STOCK THE LAKE
Eric Stanczyk: THE WATER THAT THEY’RE FISH HAVE BEEN RAISED IN. THE WATER TEMPERATURE IS THE CLOSEST AS IT IS IN THE LAKE. SO YOU DON’T WANT TO MOVE FISH FROM WARM WATER TO COLD WATER OR COLD WATER TO WARM WATER. YOU WANT IT AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE SO IT DOESN’T SHOCK THE FISH
Mikey: BEYOND THE FISH AND THE FESTIVITIES… THIS EVENT IS ABOUT SOMETHING BIGGER… PARTNERED WITH THE CNY FOOD BANK DONATIONS ARE TAKEN AS ENTRY TO HELP FEED THE LESS FORTUNATE
Chloe Blaisdell: JUST THE FACT THAT WE HAVE TO JUST THE FACT THAT WE’RE FACING A STRUGGLING COMMUNITY AND THAT WE NEED TO HOST EVENTS LIKE THIS. BUT ON THE FLIP SIDE OF THAT, IT’S BEAUTIFUL TO SEE PEOPLE COMING OUT TO SUPPORT
Mikey: IN MANLIUS FOR N-C-C NEWS MIKEY LAMARRE
The opening day of trout season signals far more than just the chance to cast a line, it marks the long-awaited arrival of spring. At Green Lakes State Park in Fayetteville, that tradition came to life as dozens of families gathered for the annual Fish Stocking event, an experience that combines outdoor recreation, education, and community support.
“For a lot of people, myself included, opening day of trout season, April 1st, is the beginning of spring. Winter is now behind us,” Eric Stanczyk, superintendent of Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery, said.
That sense of seasonal change was evident throughout the park. Cars lined the entrance and families bundled up to take part in the yearly tradition. The event draws visitors of all ages, many of whom return year after year to celebrate the shift from winter to warmer days.
Attendees were able to enjoy more than just the fish stocking. The park was filled with activities, including yard games, food, and plenty of space for families to explore the outdoors. Still, the main attraction remained the opportunity to release fish into the lake, an experience that environmental educator Katie Mulverhill says is especially meaningful for children.
“A lot of the kids, they haven’t had a close interaction with a fish before,” Mulverhill said. “So this is a really fun way to give them that experience. This might be the first time they’ve seen a fish up close before.”
For first-timer Conner, the event delivered exactly that. With great enthusiasm, he released his fish into the water, watching as it swam away into its new home. Moments like these are what organizers hope will inspire a lasting appreciation for nature and the environment.
Timing plays a crucial role in making the stocking process successful. There’s a certain approach you must take or can be detrimental to the fish.
“The water that the fish have been raised in, the temperature is the closest as it is in the lake,” Stanczyk said. “You don’t want to move fish from warm water to cold water or cold water to warm water. You want it as close as possible so it doesn’t shock the fish.”
The event also serves a larger purpose. In partnership with the Food Bank of Central New York, organizers asked attendees to bring donations as a form of entry. The contributions will help support individuals and families facing food insecurity throughout the region.
“Just the fact that we’re facing a struggling community and that we need to host events like this, but on the flip side of that, it’s beautiful to see people coming out to support,” Chloe Blaisdell said.