Maxwell Holt
June marks the real beginning of summer and I have jumped in head first! This month we had our conservation kinds camp during 2 weeks of the month. We had 42 kids come and learn with us. Our theme this year was history, where we learned about the Native Americans that once called this land home, pioneers, settlers and early American life! The campers got to do many hands-on activities like wheat grinding near the mill, atlatl throwing with Big Bone Lick State Park, and presentations from our director Mark and Archeological Research Institute. With this we learned natural dyes, food, medicine and a general appreciation of the flora and fauna of our region!
As some of you may know, my research project is a study on the fish population we have here at our stretch of gunpowder creek. The methods I am using to catch the fish are with a seine net, electro shocking backpack and some minnow traps. Some of you I am sure have noticed as well it has been a very rainy month, which makes collection quite difficult in higher, muddier faster flowing water, and you need at least two days after rain to get back to normal levels. But I have made the most of what good weather we have and have already gathered and looked at over 400 fish and over 20 different species! As the summer and heat turn up I look forward to getting back in the water and preparing for our leaf academy session and whatever July has in store!
