Teachers have two chances to certify in MDC’s Discover Nature Fishing program in the St. Louis area in September

St. LOUIS, Mo.—Discover Nature — Fishing (DNF) engages students in conservation and aquatic education through classroom instruction and hands-on fishing opportunities.  This program helps students gain the skills and confidence to go fishing on their own, while they learn aquatic ecology, fish habitat, and fish identification. 

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is offering two opportunities for educators to take free DNF teacher workshops in the St. Louis area during the month of September.  These will certify participants in the program and enable them to teach it in their own schools and receive additional support.

The two workshops are:

Each workshop is free; however, space is limited, and participants must register online in advance to attend using the links provided above. 

These DNF Teacher Workshops will cover how to conduct the four DNF lessons and how to use DNF equipment.  MDC will provide a DNF Instructor Guide which is designed to help educators teach students basic fishing skills. Detailed teaching strategies will help educators engage students mentally and physically and guide them toward understanding and mastering the skills of fishing. 

DNF-certified teachers will be eligible to obtain DNF teaching kits with all necessary equipment.  This includes fishing poles and equipment used to conduct the four DNF lessons, as well as participate in the DNF – Schools transportation grant program.  Homeschools are not eligible to receive DNF materials but can attend the workshop.

The goal of DNF is to develop lifetime anglers. Research shows active anglers have greater mental strength, stress management, confidence, and perceived health.  By taking DNF classes, students learn about fishing equipment, casting, rigging a fishing rod, baiting a hook, and proper fish handling. 

Participants under the age of 65 must present a current fishing permit at the start of the class. Fishing permits can be purchased at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/Z4g or through the MO Fishing app.