I Am Conservation

In 2004, Tim Kluesner started a fishing club at Jackson Middle School in Jackson, where he teaches seventh-grade science. “Fishing has always been a part of my life,” said Kluesner. “I wanted to give our students the opportunity to be outside and have a chance to experience all the fun fishing can bring.” Kluesner said the club has a limit of 30 students and it’s usually close to full. “We have three six-week sessions a year, which allows more students the chance to fish,” said Kluesner. He said the club meets once or twice a week, depending on the time of year. “We usually walk to the park to fish,” said Kluesner, “but, on occasion, we will have the Missouri Department of Conservation biologists come to our school to talk about fishing, habitat, equipment, and techniques.” Mike Reed, Department fisheries management biologist, has presented to Kluesner’s club. “The enthusiasm his students showed for our presentation and for sport fishing led us to recruit Tim and his club for our first southeast region Discover Nature—Fishing (DNF) class,” said Reed. “Tim and Department staff have successfully incorporated DNF materials into club activities.” Student response to the club has been nothing but positive, said Kluesner. “We get siblings of previous students who want to know the first day of school when fishing club starts. Many students catch their first fish during the year and to see their reaction is priceless.” —photograph by David Stonner