Thank you for taking the time to teach us how to fly fish!
Colorado Springs, Colorado Project
Lead Mentor: Amber Leach
Project location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Year project founded: 2021
Mentors on this team: 15
Children mentored to date: 6
Children to be mentored in 2023: 5
Local foster care partners: Currently looking for partners.
Local companies that support this project: Currently looking for community support!
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Colorado Springs, Colorado Project
Project Mentors
BONNIE GOFF, LEAD MENTOR
Colorado Springs, Colorado
A Colorado Springs native, Bonnie grew up fishing and camping with her two sisters all over Colorado. Today she can be found fishing, golfing, or volunteering for community impact projects centered around children and the Pikes Peak outdoors. Bonnie has one son and four dogs! Her passion for the community is reflected in her participation on multiple boards, advisory committees and strong commitment to the Pikes Peak region.
AMBER LEACH, MENTOR
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Born and raised in West Virginia, Amber was fortunate enough to have been given an early introduction to mountain rivers and streams. Fishing, hiking, and camping in the Appalachian Mountains with her father developed her deep-seated fervor for the water and love of the great outdoors. Amber is passionate about the therapeutic effects of nature and is excited to pair that with her love of fly fishing to help bring healing and wholeness to foster kids in Colorado. Amber kick-started the Kentucky Mayfly Project in 2019 as well!
TERRY FARSTAD, MENTOR
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Born in North Dakota and grew up in Nebraska fishing (not fly fishing) and hunting. Enlisted into the Marine Corps and served a few years (22). Moved to Colorado Springs in July of 2007 and one goal was to learn fly fishing, and I’ve not looked back. I’ve been working with veteran’s groups that look at fly fishing as a way of healing. I also help with the Boy Scouts each summer at Camp Alexander during June and July teaching them fly tying, aquatic bugs, casting and then put it all together on the water. I was a foster child for 2 years during my teenage years. I look forward to being a mentor for the Pikes Peak program.
DEBRA WETHERBEE, MENTOR
Peyton, Colorado
Friends call me Deb , i worked as a St. Engineer for Dish Network for 23 years with no college degree, it was hard work and being the best.. I also raised, trained and showed Quarter Horses for 30 years, after my last show horse I took up Fly Fishing to put my passion towards being outside with Mother Nature.
I crave the process of reading the water, evaluating what flies to choose and how to present my drift. When I am rewarded with a take of a beautiful trout it made my trip worthwhile.
My favorite part of fly fishing is meeting new friends who share my passion.
News & Events
How Nocterra Brewing Boosted The Mayfly Project–Columbus
Brews, the Outdoors, and Big Hearts: How Nocterra Brewing Boosted The Mayfly Project–Columbus Fly fishing met fundraising in one of the most uplifting outdoor partnerships we’ve experienced. This isn’t just a story about raising money—it’s about connection,...
Idaho DHW Highlights TMP and a new program for free fishing licenses!
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare highlights The Mayfly Project and a new program to give free fishing licenses to youth in extended foster care. From the article: For children in foster care, the effects of instability, stress, and trauma can be...
Virginia Wildlife Magazine highlights the Roanoke, VA project!
Thank you to the Virginia Wildlife magazine for highlighting our Roanoke, VA project in the Jan/Feb 2025 issue. Read the full article HERE! Courtesy of Virginia Wildlife magazine linked here: https://dwr.virginia.gov/virginia-wildlife/
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Colorado Springs, Colorado Project
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