What began as a new experience for many became a day filled with learning, connection and shared discovery. On March 7, Wilderness Workshop joined 62 community members at Sylvan Lake State Park for the first-ever Defiende Nuestra Tierra ice fishing event.
Among those who attended, 25 participants received sponsored day fishing licenses and many learned how to create their own accounts with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, giving them the tools to continue fishing beyond the event.
“Beyond the ice and trout, the true highlight of the day was community,” said Alejandro Jaquez-Caro, Latino community organizer at Wilderness Workshop. “We shared burritos, sat together on the frozen lake and developed new skills. These moments are what Defiende Nuestra Tierra is all about, building a sense of belonging and deeper connections to the outdoors.”
The day was full of firsts for many: visiting Sylvan Lake, trying ice fishing, catching a fish, learning about the surrounding landscape including Red Table Mountain. This area is part of Wilderness Workshop’s Wild For Good initiative, a long-term effort to protect landscapes so future generations can continue to experience their beauty.
Another highlight was the opportunity to engage directly with land managers. Staff from Colorado Parks and Wildlife helped lead activities, answered questions and introduced participants to outdoor information resources like websites and visitor centers.
Water Education Colorado and Exploremos also helped support a great day on the lake. For more information on future events, visit: www.wildernessworkshop.org