The dozens of kids participating in the Oklahoma County Conservation District's annual Fishing Derby caught more than fish this July. They also hooked onto valuable lessons about the importance of natural resources and the need for conserving them.

The derby was offered free to youth ages 16 and under and it involved a great deal of advance planning, a wide variety of sponsors and volunteers, and some smooth teamwork to successfully meet its mission. With more than $4,500 in prizes, every participant went home with many fun items even if they didn't catch a fish.

It's an ideal project, our judges said, and it could and should be duplicated in other communities. We're hooked on the Fishing Derby by the Oklahoma County Conservation District as good news for a mix of environmental education and fun in Oklahoma.