BREVARD, N.C. (Nov. 19, 2009) – The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education was recently recognized for contributions to Goodwill Industries participants – and some fairly incredible fishing adventures.
The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission staff was presented the 2009 Special Recognition Award for Outstanding Dedication and Support by the Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina, during an annual awards banquet held Nov. 5 at Wake Forest University.
Austin Caviness, host of Austin Outdoors and a meteorologist on WXII-TV, Winston-Salem, remarked that the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education has shown incredible compassion and generosity toward the participants in the Asheville Community Access Program, which serves individuals with developmental disabilities.
“Over the past two years, the Center has hosted eight outdoor adventures so the clients can experience the sport of fishing,” Caviness said. “Pisgah staff provides all the equipment, including adaptive fishing rods to assist in casting, and one-on-one instruction. The fish are then cleaned and sent home with the clients for the grill or frying pan.
“These outings are life-changing for many of the clients whose physical limitations have prevented them from experiencing nature and the outdoors in this way. Throughout the winter, clients frequently ask, ‘When are we fishing again?’… Though the Community Access Program clients face many challenges, they are truly blessed to have the folks at the Pisgah Center as advocates and friends.”
The Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, located near Brevard on the Davidson River, explores mountain wildlife and habitats. For more information on programs, exhibits and other free and fun opportunities, call (828) 877-4423 or click here.
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