PARIS — A community-led effort is underway to restore the historic Paris Ponds in Mecosta County, a former fish hatchery that closed in 1964.
The Save the Ponds initiative aims to raise about $2.5 million to repair raceway collapses, rebuild pond walls so they can be refilled, and complete other updates to return the site to its original condition.
To help meet that goal, organizers have launched a lighthearted fundraising idea called “adopt a fish.” Supporters can symbolically adopt a trout and receive a small box containing a certificate, a named fish with a personality, and a few trinkets.
So far, about $215,000 has been raised toward the $2.5 million goal. Information on adopting a trout and other ways to donate is available at 9and10news.com.