Dec 24, 2023 By Melissa Gibson 3 min read

The Wildlife Conservancy of South Connellsville exists to promote wildlife and natural resource education to the public.

The South Connellsville Rod and Gun Club (SCRGC) has been operating since 1964 and created the nonprofit, The Wildlife Conservancy of South Connellsville Pa with the mission to support a variety of initiatives such as outdoor training for youth, gun safety and education in nature among the community.

Their current project is an upgraded trout nursery on the property of SCRGC.

“We had a nursery for a number of years, and it needed repaired, so we’ve built a new one and it’s just got back online,” said Ray Garlick, board president for SCRGC. “We’ll be receiving around 1,500 trout this fall and when they’re grown, we’ll release them in the Yough River. Anyone with a fishing license can fish there, throw them back or take them home,”

The nursery will hold approximately 4,500 trout, and the number received from the PA Fish Commission will rise in 2024.

A small portion of those trout will be released in a nearby creek to support SCRGC’s annual Youth Fishing Derby – another effort to bring young people into nature and perhaps expose them to something new.

In addition to fishing, the organization sponsors plenty of hunting education and opportunities.

“We do training sessions for youth in BB gun or pellet gun shooting. We teach about gun safety and even teach the kids how to shoot,” Garlick said. “There are trap shooting clubs and other programs that include shotguns, rifles, bows etc. We’ve seen some young people that shoot really well for their age. It’s good training, and they enjoy it.”

The fishing derby and many shooting events end with trophies, special recognition and a celebration of a job well done.

While some might think a conservation group would be anti-hunting, responsible and safe practices can eliminate overpopulation and keep nature thriving, said Garlick.

Conservation, he said, doesn’t always mean not killing wildlife, but rather, having an appreciation of wildlife and nature.

In an area full of natural wildlife habitat, from the Ohiopyle State Park and the Yough River to numerous trails and the nearby mountain areas, the Wildlife Conservancy of South Connellsville hopes to encourage the importance of preservation.

“We want to support the education and preservation of nature and wildlife,” Garlick said. “This is a beautiful area.”

Not only can the community support the Conservancy by donating to the nonprofit, Garlick said, but the club also needs new members.

“We want new, young people to join and to continue to preserve what we have here,” Garlick said. “We typically get a big response from the youth fishing derby and sometimes a new person here and there for the shooting clubs, but we welcome anyone to come for a gun club meeting; see what we’re about and get some more information.”

Visit http://scrgc.org/ for the club meeting calendar. Donations can be made in person or by mail c/o Wildlife Conservancy of South Connellsville Pa at P.O. Box 2007, Connellsville, Pa., 15425