Date: April 2, 2025

Time: 10:00 a.m.

Location: Edneyville Library

Speakers: Jacob Rash, Coldwater Research Coordinator for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission

Join us for a presentation by Jacob Rash, Coldwater Research Coordinator for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC), and learn about efforts to help conserve North Carolina’s native Brook Trout. Brook Trout hold cultural and ecological significance in North Carolina, and their restoration is vital for the state’s fisheries and the overall ecosystem. Rash and his team are actively involved in restoring Brook Trout populations, working to understand their genetics, and identify areas for habitat restoration. Restoring Brook Trout populations is an ongoing challenge, requiring collaboration with various partners, including private landowners, government agencies, and conservation organizations. The NCWRC has undertaken numerous restoration projects, including stream bank revival and culvert removal to improve Brook Trout habitat and connectivity. Rash and his team have also been working to develop a genetic baseline for Brook Trout in North Carolina to better understand the populations and their genetic diversity. Come learn about this fascinating fish and its importance in the ecosystem!

Jacob Rash is Coldwater Research Coordinator for the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, where he assists with the coordination of applied research and management of the State’s trout resources. He received his B.S. in Zoology from NC State University and M.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences from Virginia Tech. After graduate school, he worked with freshwater mussels as a Research Specialist at Virginia Tech until he joined the NC Wildlife Resources Commission. Jacob has co-authored numerous publications throughout his career, and in 2023, he began serving as Chair of the Eastern Brook Trout Joint Venture’s Steering Committee. Although he spends his days at work thinking about fish, he enjoys spending his free time trying to find them as an avid angler.

*Space is limited and pre-registration is required by visiting the Edneyville Library’s calendar of events at this link. 

The Edneyville Library Speaker Series programs are made possible thanks to our partnership with the Henderson County Public Library.

Contact Pam Torlina, pam@conservingcarolina.org, with questions or for more information.