Vulcan Materials grant supports fishing derbies at Hidden Lakes

Fishing derbies have become a time-honored tradition at the Forest Preserve District of Will County, and The Nature Foundation of Will County helps support the summertime fun thanks to its continued partnership with the Vulcan Materials Company Foundation.

This year, Vulcan Materials Company Foundation provided $6,000 to stock fish prior to each of the three derbies scheduled at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm at Hidden Oaks Preserve. The season opened with an adult fishing derby in May; and a kid’s fishing derby will be held Saturday, June 27. The final Summer Sendoff fishing derby for all ages will be held on Saturday, September 19.

Financial support from the Vulcan Foundation fits with the company’s focus on bolstering environmental and civic projects that support environmental stewardship; education; arts and culture; civic and community; and health and human services organizations, said Rose Moffett, community relations coordinator for the company.

“We focus our support on programs and partnerships that help communities thrive,” Rose said, adding that the Foundation has contributed more than $16 million to such organizations over the past five years.

The investment from Vulcan Materials ensures the popular fishing derbies are fruitful for anglers of all ages. Stocking the ponds is imperative for the popular fishing spot, said Angie Opiola, the facility supervisor at Hidden Lakes Trout Farm.

“Hidden Lakes is comprised of relatively shallow manmade ponds, and the fishing pressure we see is tremendous,” she said, explaining why stocking is necessary for successful derbies.

Vulcan Materials, the United States’ largest producer of construction aggregates, operates a plant in Bolingbrook that is adjacent to Hidden Oaks Preserve and Whalon Lake. Rose said supporting neighbors such as the Forest Preserve is core to “the Vulcan Way — doing the right thing, the right way, at the right time.”

“We value supporting organizations that make a positive impact on the community,” Rose said. “Being an active, engaged corporate citizen and a good neighbor is how we operate.”

The $6,000 provided for this year’s fishing derbies is just the most recent donation in the relationship between The Nature Foundation and Vulcan Materials Company Foundation. Last year, Vulcan provided $5,000 to install native plants gardens with interpretive signs at Hidden Oaks Nature Center and previous support helped install benches and other amenities at Whalon Lake.

Angie said support The Nature Foundation brings to the District from partners like Vulcan Materials is a bonus because it enhances opportunities and experiences for visitors. At the fishing derbies, that means the $5 entry fee includes bait, giveaways and snacks for all anglers plus the chance to win prizes by reeling in one of the biggest fish caught.

“It allows us to do more with our dollars,” Angie said. “People are always so grateful.”

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