Hooked On Fishing Not On Drugs Coming To Mercer County

A nationally recognized state outdoor education program is coming to Mercer County, officials announced this week. Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs (HOFNOD) will run on Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Sept. 1 through Nov. 17.

It is a youth education program created by the Future Fisherman Foundation that works in partnership with the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. It is open to youth ages 10 to 14. Those interested in the program must register to participate by Aug. 17.

“Today’s kids need an avenue into the outdoors,” Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes said in an announcement for the event. “This program provides a safe environment where kids can learn beneficial new skills.”

The goal of this program is to encourage school-age children to avoid tobacco, drug and alcohol usage by providing alternative activities while having fun. Participants can learn to fish, discover aquatic and environmental resources and develop positive life skills.

The Mercer County Park Commission will host HOFNOD at the Tulpehaking Nature Center. Staff will provide environmental education, plan activities and take the children fishing. For more information about the HOFNOD program or to register, call 609-888-3218 or email natureprograms@mercercounty.org.

The Tulpehaking Nature Center is located at 157 Westcott Avenue in Hamilton Township. It is open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

The nature center provides programs and exhibits that encourage visitors to explore and discover the many cultural, historic and natural resources of the Abbott Marshlands. It is owned by the County of Mercer and operated by the Mercer County Park Commission. For more information about the nature center, programs and schedule of events, go to www.mercercountyparks.org.

The attached image was provided: Youth can enjoy fishing and discover aquatic environmental resources at HOFNOD held at the Tulpehaking Nature Center.