Iowa Naturalist Recognized for Fishing Education Efforts
Laura DeCook
Laura DeCook, naturalist with the Mahaska County Conservation Board is the 2015 recipient of the Brass Bluegill award from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fish Iowa! program. The award has been presented each year since 1996 to an instructor who has established an outstanding local program that exemplifies the goals of Fish Iowa!
DeCook began working with Fish Iowa! almost 20 years ago with the introduction of the national “Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs” materials. As the At-Risk Coordinator for Southeast Warren Community Schools, she developed a K-12 mentoring program based on fishing that is still active today.
DeCook moved into the County Conservation Board system in 1997 where she continued to be a strong advocate for angling and general aquatic education in Warren, Appanoose, and Mahaska counties. She has conducted fishing classes, camps, and events for thousands of youth, families, women, and persons with disabilities. Her programs have encompassed Fish Iowa! topics and skills ranging from basic spincasting and ice fishing to fly-fishing. She has also been active in recruiting as assisting schools in conducting the Fish Iowa! Games casting contest and currently is serving as an advisor to the national Archery Trade Association in the development of Explore Bowfishing.
DeCook has been a Fish Iowa! trainer since 2002, sharing the educational resources, and her love of fishing, with some 40 other teachers, naturalists, and youth leaders throughout southeastern Iowa.
“Fishing is a lifetime activity. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. Being able to share this activity with others and to spend time with people outdoors is a highlight of my profession.” said DeCook. When she is not teaching fishing classes she can be found at one of her favorite bow fishing spots or taking her two boys fishing, hunting, or to youth sporting activities.
The Brass Bluegill award was presented at the Natural Resources Commission Meeting on in Des Moines on May 14, 2015. The Fish Iowa! program also recognized Amy Ascherl (Robert Blue Middle School), Elizabeth Gaskins (Centerville FFA), Cody Ratliff (Central City Schools), John Roslien (Central College) and Ryan Rahmiller and Jared Koenigsfeld (Charles City Middle School) for their fishing education efforts.
