In celebration of Lakes Appreciation Month, July, an event will take place on Saturday, July 29, from 2 to 6 p.m. at Jim Neary's Bait & Tackle, 212 Spruce Grove Road, Kirkwood. The inaugural event took place in 2022.

Conservation organizations such as the Octoraro Watershed Association, Lancaster Conservancy, Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Lancaster Clean Water Partners will be on hand. Attendees may learn about macroinvertebrates and stream health from the Lancaster County Conservation District and aquatic invasive species and aquatic insects from the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Stewards. The Stroud Water Research Center will share how individuals may help improve the health of lakes and streams, and it will offer water chemistry and water sampling activities. Attendees may also learn about conservation projects by the Federal EPA, TeamAg Inc and the Southern Lancaster County Farmer's Sportsman's Association.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary - Flotilla 19-4 will conduct vessel safety courtesy checks from 2 to 6 p.m. for both powered and unpowered vessels.

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) and the Pennsylvania Game Commission will provide publications on regulations and safety topics. Additionally, the PFBC will be accompanied by native reptiles and amphibians, including an Eastern rat snake and a box turtle. The Pennsylvania Game Commission will display its Operation Game Thief educational trailer.

The Oxford Library will highlight a selection of environment-related books for youth and adult readers.

Food trucks will be on hand, and complimentary samples of grilled snakehead, an invasive species of fish that has been identified in the reservoir, will be offered. Chester Water Authority will provide bottled water and iced tea, plus individually wrapped soft pretzels and pretzel dogs from Philly Pretzel Factory.

This family-friendly event will feature a catch-and-release containment fish pond where junior anglers age 12 and under may fish for blue gill and lunker largemouth bass. Rods will be provided, or kids may bring a favorite superhero bait caster with barbless hooks.

The event will culminate in a paddle, with a safety briefing at 8 p.m. and launch at 8:20 p.m. Space is limited. For more information and to register, visit http://www.jimsbait.net.