As the morning dawned on Saturday, June 6, the coffee was a welcome start to a day filled with a lot of hope. Dust drifted behind the first car making its way down the gravel road into the Wilna Unit of the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, heading toward the lodge at Wilna Pond.

The volunteers of the Rappahannock Wildlife Refuge Friends group and the Refuge gathered to set up the tables and tents to prepare for the kids who would be coming to enjoy a day of fishing fun. The fishing poles were lined up around the table for each child to use during the day. The bait station held the magic night crawlers to bait the hooks.

Then the kids started to arrive, and the hard work put into making Kids Fishing Day come to life paid off. The smiles made everything right.

The first stop was to get registered, and then it was on to find that special rod. The next stop was to get the bait, and then it was time to head to the water for the fishing to begin.

Kids filled the pier, and some chose the bank in hopes of that prized fish biting their line.

A total of 37 kids and 17 family groups attended this year’s event. While there were plenty of new faces, there were some repeat children from last year.

Volunteers grilled 64 hot dogs, handed out around 40 bags of chips, and made sure every child left with a goody bag filled with a coloring book, baits, and other fun items. Prizes— including fishing poles and tackle boxes—were also awarded.

Although the fish weren’t as friendly as last year, everyone had fun. The young anglers reeled in largemouth bass, redear sunfish, catfish, and the first eel ever caught at a Kids Fishing Day.

None of this would be possible if it were not for the volunteers who give their time to making sure local kids get out into nature. Beyond this one event, the volunteers stay very busy. They help the refuge staff by keeping the trails clear, cutting grass as needed, helping with repairs, and assisting with events like field trips. There is always a need for help at the Refuge.