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The Challenge Chapter of Trout Unlimited has an interesting history. It started in 1972 with about a half dozen fly fisherman who were committed to raise money for the purchase of equipment and materials to enhance the conservation of cold water fisheries in Michigan. As former members of the Paul H. Young chapter, they wanted to form a more focused and closely knit chapter than PHY could offer. The focus was on 'publishing' to generate funds for reinvestment into the state's cold water resources - that focus and the close knit character of the chapter remains our legacy today. In order to fund our volunteerism, the Challenge Chapter has published our River Guides and Emergence Schedule for over 36 years. It was the Challenge Chapter who published the very first Michigan Trout magazine. We have had many dedicated and talented people who have made this endeavor happen over the years. We welcome all who would like to share their expertise and work as a team toward furthering our mission: engage in stream and watershed restoration efforts at the grass roots level. Your purchase of one or more of these books will help us continue these efforts. I came to my first Challenge Chapter meeting at the urging of fellow member, Dan Cronin. For years he would ask if I was going to show up and I finally decided that it would be easier to go than to have him continually pestering me. I don't remember exactly how long ago that was - there was Julio Mazzoli as president, Don Silsbe, Bill Thorsted, Martin VanFossan, Jon Griffin and now me. I would have never imagined that first night that I would get this involved. Not really a "joiner", I found the chapter members good company if not downright entertaining. What better people to hang around with than a bunch of fishermen? You really can't do better! |
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We have all heard or read, about how volunteering does as much good for yourself as it does for those you are helping. We just have to determine which activities we love enough that we will tell our spouse with a straight face that 'the grass gutting, or the room painting, or the toilet repair will have to wait, I have to help with a TU work outing'. After years of tinkering we have these work outings organized as a delicate balance of 'bricks & sticks' (hands on) type projects, bed & breakfast lodging, tasty meals, fishing our target rivers, and seasoned with story telling from past fishing trips. We have a broad range of citizenry, with all manner of personalities, all sharing a love of cold water fisheries. Every meeting includes an interesting speaker or other activity that I'm sure you will enjoy. If you would like to join with us to help conserve, protect and restore Michigan's coldwater fisheries, either with membership or a donation, please check out our web site for our meeting times and locations. Characters welcome. Our Chapter membership meets on the second Tuesday of each month, from September through May, at the E.L. Johnson Nature Center, located at 3325 Franklin Road, between Long Lake and Hickory Grove roads. (watch our Calendar of Events for occasional alternate meeting locations). Directions can be found in our Meetings & Minutes section. We continue to seek out and host speakers and presenters on topics that include conservation, entomology, and trout fishing expeditions. We also host 3 conservation outings each summer. We stay at premier clubs and fishing lodges, always close to excellent trout fishing. Come join us for a meeting and we invite you to become an active member. |
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