The last two months have reminded me that we have a lot to be thankful for. As many of us have found solace in our beloved watershed, the work that our chapter has done to protect its vitality, then and now, is certainly one of them. I’m thankful for cold, clean water. I’m thankful for the graciousness of landowners. And I’m very thankful for our dedicated volunteers. When I assumed the post of President, last fall, I never could have imagined what spring would bring. The sun will continue to rise. And as our ability to enjoy the outdoors has become more sacred than ever, so too is our mission. 

I’d first like to give recognition to our now past President, Beth Boyd. When I came back to the chapter after a twenty year hiatus, I vividly recall walking into the pizza shop in Felton. It was obvious that Beth was at the helm. Some people just have it – that natural ability to convince others to follow. Beth Boyd is one of them. During her tenure, our chapter benefitted from her vibrancy and passion. Those of you who know Beth know that she is not a fisher(wo)man. But her ability to lead and to create a sense of community enabled her to leave behind a stronger chapter than before. For that, we are grateful — Thank you, Beth. 

For those of you whom I have not yet had the pleasure to meet, I look forward to doing so. My roots with the chapter run deep. My grandfather, Jay Lehr, got me involved as a child. I grew up stocking trout from the train, working our opening day food stands, watching our Co-Operative trout nursery being constructed, and swinging wooly buggers at Bridgeton and Rocky Glen. It’s an honor to serve our

chapter once again alongside each of you. I strongly believe in an agenda of conservation and find great joy in bringing a wild brown to the net. That said, I also appreciate the value of a stocking program, and ours is top notch! 

Our calendar of activity may look quite different compared to years past. If deemed safe and appropriate by our board of directors, I hope to resume regular monthly meetings at the nursery sometime this summer. We’ll communicate plans via email, our website, and social media. In the meantime, if you have any questions about how to get involved or our future plans, don’t hesitate to contact me at president@muddycreektu.org or 717-451-5200. 

Tight Lines, Jimmy