Hello from Stephenville, Texas! My name is Farron Fiedler Jr. I am a Master of Environmental Science student at Tarleton State University. As part of my degree, I work part time as a research assistant at the Texas Institute of Applied Environmental Research studying fish ecology and environmental quality on the North Bosque and Paluxy Rivers.
Last fall, my committee chair, Dr. Barbara Bellows, introduced me to David and I learned about Sweetwater Research and their mission work. Ever since, I have had a desire to work with this great non-profit. This spring, David told me about the Walnut Creek Hunting Club (WCHC) pond project. When I heard about the goals of creating a naturally sustainable fishery and ecosystem at this pond, I was dedicated to working with Sweetwater.
The opportunity to become a Sweetwater intern developed early this summer. This project has become part of my last classwork at TSU. I am excited to assist with the WCHC pond project. The opportunity to intern with Sweetwater Research will help me abide in a closer relationship with Christ. Also, I hope to develop my skills as a scientist as I learn from David.
It will take much work to make this pond into a sustainable fishery, but with God all things are possible. One of the first steps to restoring the pond is a survey of the fish population. We conducted the fish survey June 1st, and I look forward to reporting to you in the coming weeks what the team of anglers found in the pond.
The Walnut Creek Hunting Club is going to be used primarily as a location for outdoor Christian discipleship. One of the primary beneficiaries of our work will be Hope House, a Christian ministry that disciples men and women in Christ who are recovering from drug and alcohol abuse. Hope House helps these men recover their lives through biblical discipleship, beginning new careers, and drug and alcohol counseling. I am a veteran with PTSD who has recovered from alcohol abuse. Christian recreational therapy programs, especially fishing and outdoor programs, have been a big part of my recovery. These programs helped me through some very difficult times in life and I want to see the same thing happen for these men at Hope House. I look forward to helping the men at Hope House to live in a closer walk with Christ because of the recreational therapy they will have at the pond.