Friends of Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery

08/18/2026

“We spotted two queen caterpillars on Zizotes milkweed in the pollinator garden today.” Jerry Stacy

Stop by the Hatchery and it out.

07/29/2026

No small amount of effort was exerted by Friends pollinator garden crew today (Kaye, Karen, Cris, Margaret, Jerry) Of course, punishing heat, ants, sandburs & noseburn add to the challenge. Still lots of blooming plants for our pollinators—basketflower a rockstar with almost 3 months of bumblebee action. Hatchery gates open early—come take a stroll through the gardens & avoid cabin fever! Linda
Photos by Linda O’Nan

07/26/2026

What an incredible day at the local hatchery! 🎣

Scouts, along with their families, had an unforgettable time casting lines, sharing laughs, and reeling in some HUGE catfish! There’s nothing quite like watching young anglers light up with excitement as they land a big catch, especially when it's surrounded by the encouragement of family and friends.

Days like these are about so much more than fishing—they're about building confidence, creating lifelong memories, learning new skills, and strengthening the bonds that make Scouting so special.

A big thank you to everyone who came out and helped make this event such a success. We can't wait for the next adventure!

Photos by Gary Sullivan

07/11/2026

Good advise.

07/11/2026

Life in the nest.

07/10/2026

Join the July Bird Survey at 7:30 Monday, July 13th.

🐦🦉"Of Note! The last four years we have counted 35 species in July."🐦‍⬛🦅
Sherry Bixler

07/09/2026

American rubyspot

Seen any fierce predators recently?

Damselflies, like this American rubyspot, are elite hunters, just like their dragonfly cousins. One big difference between the two: Damselfly eyes are far apart, on opposite sides of their head, while dragonfly eyes basically take up the entirety of their head.

Both use similar neurons from their shared ancestors that help drive their incredibly efficient hunting flight, according to research from the University of Minnesota.

Damselflies are even good hunters in the nymph stage when underwater, ambushing tadpoles and other small invertebrates!

Photo: Gordon Garcia

06/28/2026

Keep your eye out for this one.

(244/250) The Texas brown tarantula is one of the largest and most recognizable spiders in the southern United States. While they may look startling, they're gentle giants that play an important role in keeping insect populations in check.

Credit: Andrew Loescher/USFWS

06/25/2026

Happy Pollinator Week! Old Man’s Beard is a stand out now as things heat up & dry out. Come take a walk on the wild side & enjoy our gardens, trails & birdblind & see what all the buzz is about.
Your PG Friends

Photo by Linda O’Nan

06/15/2026

Shooting stars

(230/250) NASA has confirmed these are, in fact, flowers.

Eastern shooting stars (Dodecatheon meadia) are native spring wildflowers found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands across much of the central and eastern United States. Their swept-back petals give them the appearance of tiny shooting stars streaking across the landscape.



Photo by Gordon Garcia