🐟 Reintroducing the Alligator Gar to the Cache River Watershed
📅 Saturday, February 28
🕙 10:00–11:00 a.m.
📍 Cache River Wetlands Center
Join us for a fascinating public presentation on the return of one of North America’s most impressive native fish—the alligator gar—to the Cache River watershed.
Guest speaker Mark Denzer, with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Division, will share the science, history, and conservation goals behind the reintroduction of this ancient species, last recorded in the Cache River in 1966.
🧪 Topics will include:
• The historical presence and disappearance of alligator gar in Southern Illinois
• Why alligator gar are ecologically important—and often misunderstood
• IDNR’s reintroduction program: goals, methods, and partnerships
• Hatchery efforts and tagging research
• Challenges and successes of restoring native fish populations
• How the public can support native fish conservation efforts
This program is perfect for local residents, students, educators, anglers, and anyone interested in wetlands conservation and biodiversity.
Discover how restoring balance to the Cache River helps strengthen the entire ecosystem and why the alligator gar is a symbol of successful habitat restoration!
🎟️ Free and open to the public
📞 For more info, call 618-657-2064 or watch our Facebook page for updates.
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