OSKALOOSA — Pete Eyheralde, naturalist for Mahaska County Conservation Board, is the 2009 recipient of the Brass Bluegill Award.
Eyheralde was presented the Brass Bluegill on April 9, 2009 in Story County. Along with the award, Pete received 24 spinning rigs to use with his programs.
A fisherman at an early age, Eyheralde always looked forward to the fishing trips with his “Pop.” He distinctly remembers cold wet hands, big fish, and his little brother eating the bait while fishing near his childhood home.
The award is presented each year to an instructor who has established an outstanding local program that exemplifies the goals of Fish Iowa! For the past 10 years, Eyheralde has used Fish Iowa! to introduce fishing to thousands of youth in Mahaska County. He works with the Oskaloosa YMCA, ISU Extension, the Oskaloosa Library, Cub Scouts, and local day care provides to take kids fishing throughout the summer. The yearly summer “Fishn’ Camp” sponsored by the Mahaska CCB is one of the most popular day camps offered. Campers are introduced to a variety of fishing experiences from big rivers, to lakes, to farm ponds and creeks.
Most of the classroom programs Eyheralde presents involve teaching about fish ecology and fishing. He has used Fish Iowa! and Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs materials as part of the local elementary schools’ Red Ribbon Week programs. He is currently working with local P.E. teachers to help them incorporate fishing into their curriculum.
Eyheralde runs a monthly after school program designed to get kids active outside in all types of weather to learn new types of outdoor recreation. He has also helped run the Mahaska County 4-H fishing club.
