Two young anglers check out a dragonfly larva.
Photo by Amy Ulland
Despite drizzling rain and chilly temperatures, lots of folks came out to participate in Franklin Park’s Trout Derby on October 14. Loudoun Wildlife’s Stream Team enjoyed sharing a pop-up tent with Loudoun County Parks and Recreation to introduce people to some of the smaller critters that can be found in the water.
About 35 children and adults stopped by the Loudoun Wildlife table to get a close-up look at some dragonfly larvae, lung snails and midges – all of which are eaten by trout. Folks learned that these small creatures, when found in a stream, can help to tell the story of the health of that stream. They also learned that trout need cool water and lots of dissolved oxygen to survive and can also be indicators of stream health.
For those interested in trying their luck at catching some trout for dinner, the Franklin Park Pond will be open for trout fishing through December. Unlike the other catch-and-release fish in the pond, up to six trout can be taken home by anglers with a valid fishing permit.