Fourteen TIAA members and guests hopped on a bus and rode about 75 miles to visit this interesting center that is recognized as a national leader in implementing effective natural resources conservation and outdoor recreational programs. Built as a joint venture between the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation and the city of Athens, this center offers dive programs, aquatic education and a production freshwater hatchery. Developed on a 107-acre site, the facility includes a 300,000 gallon indoor and outdoor aquarium displaying dozens of species of native fish, waterfowl, alligators and amphibians in recreated habitats. We left at 8:30 am, traveled to Athens, watched the 11:00 am dive tour (and talked to the diver while he is underwater), walked around the exhibits (the tram ride was cancelled due to the weather, then we had lunch at Boat House Grill (on our own) and returned about 3:00 pm. (Photos by Linda Stopani.)
Texas Freshwater Fishery in Athens, February 19, 2020
