Nicholas Berger, a senior at Riverside Public Schools from Spalding, Nebraska, has always loved spending time at his family's old gravel pit. This pit was more than just a place to fish; it was a spot where his family and community gathered. However, over time, it became filled with "junk fish" like carp, which made fishing less fun. Nicholas wanted to bring back the joy of fishing at the pit, so he decided to take action.

Two years ago, Nicholas began his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). Nick quickly recognized the potential he had to make an impact in the community, so he applied for an SAE grant through the Nebraska FFA Foundation. With the grant's support, Nicholas was able to supply 200 walleye to restock the pit.

He started by cleaning the pit, removing debris, and ensuring the water was suitable for the new fish. To monitor their growth, Nicholas tagged some of the walleye to track their growth over time. He regularly checked the water quality and maintained the surrounding area to keep it pleasant for visitors. By transforming the gravel pit from a neglected area into a well-maintained fishing spot, Nicholas created a valuable recreational resource for his family and community.

The transformation of the gravel pit was Nicholass’ biggest success. The walleye population thrived, and the fishing experience improved significantly, bringing joy to family and community members around Spalding. “Seeing the walleye thrive and everyone enjoying the improved fishing experience has been really rewarding.” Nicholas shares, “Families are spending more time fishing and enjoying the area, it's really a much better place for everyone.” His hard work was recognized in FFA events, where he did an Ag demo at the Nebraska State Convention on tagging fish and competed in the Wildlife Management Proficiency, earning state runner-up.

Nicholas plans to keep improving the pit and tracking the fish he stocked. He is also researching how to set up a spawning area for the walleye. This project not only made the gravel pit better but also taught Nicholas many valuable skills.

Nicholas’s journey wouldn’t have been possible without the support of his family and the generous donors who made this SAE grant possible. “I want to thank my family for allowing me to use the pit for this project. I would also like to thank the donors who made this grant possible. Without it, I would not have been able to restock the pit or learn so many skills in doing so,” Nicholas shared. His dedication to improving his family's gravel pit is a great example of what passion and community support can achieve.