Laura MacFarland, River Alliance's Invasive Species Project Director, likes to fish for trout.  More accurately, she likes the excuse to stand thigh high in clean, cool rushing rivers, clearing her mind of all but the hypnotic song of flowing water, the dance of insects in the air, and the magical moment when a beautiful fish rises. For these reasons she has been a member of Trout Unlimited (TU) for over 10 years to help conserve, protect and restore coldwater streams and their watersheds.   

Laura has long known that she is minority within TU.  Currently, only 5% of TU members are women, while nearly 25% of all flyfishers are female. Laura saw this gap as a huge opportunity to recruit more individuals to assist in implementing TU's mission.  So three years ago she co-founded of a successful three day clinic sponsored by the Southern Wisconsin TU Chapter to teach women to flyfish AND to be stewards of coldwater resources.  As a result the chapter has seen a 143% increase in women members in the past three years. 

Trout Unlimited National noticed the same gap and currently has a nationwide initiative to recruit more women.  This month Laura was asked to join 20 other women from around the country in Steamboat Springs to present on her success here in Wisconsin.  Women in attendance were inspired.  As a result,  Laura will be working closely with National TU staffers to help implement similar efforts around the country.  

If you know a woman who loves trout and the amazing waters they thrive in, TU is offering free memberships to women.  Pass it on:  www.tu.org/women
To register for the 2013 SWTU women's clinics visit http://www.swtu.org/wffc_womens_clinics.html