Rose Shelton is an 18-year-old artist whose dad thinks Hog Suckers are "iconic". So Rose sketched the somewhat awkward bottom feeder as a gift, and when her dad proudly posted the drawing on Facebook, his angler buddies were so impressed, they hooked Rose on the idea of turning it into a tshirt!

Gardens 4 Growing Community (G4GC) is a non-profit dedicated to connecting young people and Nature. With this campaign, we're encouraging the dreams of a young artist whose work is often inspired by Nature. Part of the campaign's proceeds will help Rose buy art supplies for her first year of college, and we LOVED her idea of sharing the profits to support aquatics conservation. As a result, Rose's art talent + her dad's experience (Jay Shelton is an Aquatics scientist/professor + dedicated Trout Unlimited member and facilitates the TU Chapter for students at the University of GA) proceeds from this campaign will engage students from under-resourced communities in the water enjoying hands-on learning about aquatic ecosystems. We'll get these kids connected to Nature .....while YOU connect to your inner Hog Sucker! (it's 99.83% guaranteed to make you look iconic, too!)

PS - if you're wondering why we embraced hog suckers (although, really - LOOK at that cute face?!) ....the northern hog sucker might be the underdog of the fish world. But truth is, it's incredibly cool! The Hog Sucker does best in clean freshwater, making it a key biological indicator of stream health....an important role that doesn't often get the kudos it deserves. If you can relate, it's time to celebrate YOUR inner Hog Sucker, right? Thank you for making a difference!