This Saturday, March 22, Wheaton Regional Park will be the gathering spot for the first World Water Day celebration organized by the Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., attendees at the park, which is located at 2000 Shorefield Road in Wheaton, can dive into a slew of water-themed activities.
According to the DEP's announcement, the event's agenda is packed with a variety of activities which include guided nature walks, a piñata exhibit, and Youth Trout Fishing Day - a chance for young people to fish for rainbow trout ahead of the regular fishing season. Montgomery County's local waterways, which act as a drinking water source, will be celebrated and highlighted, as stated by DEP Director Jon Monger. There's extra incentive for young anglers; the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will be providing fishing gear and tutorials through their Mobile First Catch Fishing Center on-site.
According to a statement by Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich, obtained by the Montgomery County government website, over two billion people live without safe fresh water. Elrich mentioned this as the world commemorates 32 years of World Water Day advocacy, urging locals to learn how they can make a positive impact on water safety.
Saturday's fishing fun also casts its line to Martin Luther King Jr. Recreational Park, and Northwest Branch Stream Valley Park, which, will be freshly stocked with rainbow trout by the DNR. "We are thrilled to provide young anglers the opportunity to fish in a freshly stocked lake," said Rachel Gauza, Montgomery Parks natural resources specialist, recognizing the importance of fostering a connection between young generations and the stewardship of natural resources.
Making a community splash, this celebration is showered with partners, including Impact Silver Spring, Montgomery Parks, Maryland DNR, the County’s Department of Health and Human Services Latino Health Initiative, Wheaton Urban District, Defensores De La Cuenca, and Montgomery Housing Partnership. The event's theme, "Save Our Glaciers," mirrors the urgency shared globally about protecting water sources amidst changing climates.
