If you are like me, you couldn’t be happier that spring has not only sprung here in Southeastern Idaho, it is actually jumping for joy.

     Fabulous weather has lured folks outside for all types of recreational fun, making it increasingly difficult for kids (and teachers) to endure to the end of the school year or for some of us to stay in our offices … at our computers, maybe writing an article.

     So if we can’t be outside today, let’s at least think about the fun things we can do outside when time allows. And, to help with your planning, here are a few upcoming events of which you will want to be aware.

Endangered Species Day at the Zoo

     The Pocatello Zoo will be hosting a special event Saturday to commemorate Endangered Species Day. The event will run from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Pocatello Zoo. The event is free with zoo admission.

     Volunteers and staff from the Pocatello Zoo, US Fish and Wildlife Service, and Idaho Fish and Game will be manning education stations, some of which will feature local zoo residents like the Grizzly Bear, the Lynx and Bald Eagle.

     There will also be educational games and activity stations that will help zoo visitors learn about the importance of rare, threatened and endangered species and the protection of habitats. Plus, this is the perfect time of year for a nose-to-nose encounter with some of Idaho’s amazing native species found at the Pocatello Zoo.

     Started in 2006 by the US Senate, Endangered Species Day provides an opportunity for schools, libraries, museums, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens and others to educate the public about the importance of our nation’s wildlife heritage, to understand how and why species become threatened or endangered, to celebrate endangered species success stories and to highlight the everyday actions that people and groups can take to help endangered species.

     For more information about this upcoming event, contact the Pocatello Zoo at 234-6264.

Take Me Fishing Trailer Back for its Fourth Year

     Would you like to try fishing, but you don’t know how to get started? Your kids keep begging you to take them, but you don’t have the equipment? Well, has Fish and Game got a deal for you!    

    The Take Me Fishing Trailer is back for its fourth year of traveling to favorite fisheries all over Southeastern and Eastern Idaho.

    Loaded with fishing poles, tackle and bait, this trailer has everything any angler needs to have to do some fishing. Use of the equipment is free, and those who register at the trailer don’t even need a license to fish during the event. Plus, there are folks on hand that can help you with everything from casting to reeling in a fish if you’re new to the sport.

     The first outing for the season will be May 25 at the Community Fishing pond at Edson Fichter Nature Area in Pocatello. The trailer will be at the pond from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.  Everyone of any age is invited to participate in this free event. For more information, please call the Pocatello Fish and Game office at 232-4703.

     For a complete list of all the scheduled Take Me Fishing Trailer events for the whole summer, visit Fish and Game’s website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov. Select the “Fishing” tab, and then “Learn to Fish”. There you will find all sorts of fishy information from fish identification to the Take Me Fishing Trailer schedule for every region of the state.

Free Fishing Day is June 8

     Save the date! June 8 is Free Fishing Day in Idaho which means anyone can fish without a license on any of Idaho’s waters open to fishing.

     To help celebrate the day, there will be several free fishing day events around Southeast Idaho. Even if you or your kids do not know how to fish, there will be plenty of helpful hands at the various events to assist with fishing basics. Poles, bait and other gear will be available for use at the events while supplies last.

     Events have been scheduled at Edson Fichter Community Fishing Pond in Pocatello, Kelly Park Pond in Soda Springs, Grace Fish Hatchery in Grace and Hawkins Reservoir west of Marsh Valley.

     Though Free Fishing Day is an all-day affair, most of the special events will run from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Fish and Game will be posting more information about these events on its website and in future press releases. But anyone with questions can call me at the Fish and Game office in Pocatello at 232-4703.

Elk Plan Open House

     While I have your attention, this is the last reminder of the Elk Plan open house.  Join us for the open house on Thursday at the Pocatello Fish and Game office located at 1345 Barton Road. The open house runs from 6:30 p.m to 8:30 p.m. Wildlife managers will share information about elk populations and management. Please bring your questions and ideas.

    Jennifer Jackson is the Regional Conservation Educator for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, southeast region.