Danny Adams, grades 7-12 physical education teacher in the Wapsie Valley School District, is the recipient of the 2026 Brass Bluegill award from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fish Iowa! Program.
Adams teaches an exploratory Outdoor Recreation class that aims to engage students in the outdoors and build a conservation mindset. Along with Fish Iowa! activities, the class introduces students to orienteering, archery, hunter education, and basic camping skills.
Wapsie Valley School District offers a full continuum of outdoor engagement from early elementary school through high school. Adams integrated career pathways into his classroom, including a trip to a local Iowa fish hatchery.
The award, along with an assortment of tackle boxes and equipment to use with his Fish Iowa! programs, was presented at the Natural Resource Commission meeting on May 14. The Brass Bluegill award has been presented each year since 1996 to Fish Iowa! educators with outstanding local programs that exemplify the goals of the Fish Iowa! Angler Education program.