The Nesquehoning Conservation Club is working to build a recreational park for families.

The area, located in the "Y" between Park Avenue and Industrial Road in the Hauto Estates section of Nesquehoning, will be called the Nesquehoning Conservation Club Nature Park. It will include the pond, which will be stocked by the club and open for fishing, as well as a pavilion for gatherings.Future plans also include completing an improved walking trail around the park, adding to the wetlands area and constructing a half-acre duck pond.The fishing pond will remain fenced in, but access gates will be open after the park is completed.Sam Kitchko, secretary/treasurer, explained that the plot of land was donated to the club by the Kovatch family for recreational purposes.Work has begun on the project and the park is expected to be open to the public in the spring of 2014.Currently, the group is working on clearing brush around the property. Members will be there on Saturday, beginning at 8 a.m., to chip up brush that has already been collected. The public is welcome to come and help.They are also applying for a state grant to help cover the cost of the work.In addition, Chris Santore, a Boy Scout with Troop 744 and a ninth-grade student at Panther Valley High School, will be helping the club as he works toward his Eagle Scout project.Santore, who was present at the club's monthly meeting on Wednesday, explained some of his ideas. They include constructing a mallard duck nesting box, some benches for around the pond at the new nature park, a fishing pier and turtle basking areas.Members said that the ideas were appreciated and they are looking forward to working with Santore.In other matters, the club will be stocking the Nesquehoning stream on Oct. 6 as long as there is enough water.They are also looking for new members who would like to become involved in activities that promote good sportsmanship in the Nesquehoning community.Donations for the club's various activities and projects, in addition to the nature park, are also being accepted.For more information on becoming a member or on how to donate, contact any of the Nesquehoning Conservation Club's members or email

nesquehoningconservationclub@yahoo.com.The Nesquehoning Conservation Club began in 2004. Its mission is to help with field and stream conservation; promote good sportsmanship; stimulate awareness for hunting and fishing; and detect and report any polluters of local streams.The club hosts annual fishing derbies for area children and stocks the stream annually for anglers.The next meeting of the club will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at 6:30 p.m., at Maple Shade Meadows in Nesquehoning.