UF biologist leads interactive aquatic science workshops along St. Lawrence River

Story by Erica Hoffman, courtesy the Thousand Islands Sun (NY) newspaper

Wellesley Island, New York – Wading knee-deep in the St. Lawrence River and nearby ponds, youths, families and nature enthusiasts did more than just get their feet wet – they dove deep into aquatic science.

In partnership with local nature organizations, University of Florida biologist Bethan Gillett recently led a series of interactive workshops to teach participants of all ages about the biodiversity found in the St. Lawrence River and nearby wetlands. Armed with dip nets, seine nets, buckets and magnifying lenses, attendees explored local aquatic habitats by collecting and identifying invertebrates, fish and other freshwater creatures living along the shore.

Bethan Gillett with students along the St. Lawrence River.

Ms. Gillett conducted the hands-on workshops in collaboration with the Minna Anthony Common Nature Center and Friends of the Rock Ridges, a local environmental group. The goal is to connect people with nature while deepening their understanding of freshwater ecosystems through immersive, experiential learning.

“The river is our outdoor classroom,” said Ms. Gillett who serves as director of UF’s Fishing for Success (FFS) program which is an extension effort of the UF School of Forest, Fisheries, and Geomatics Sciences. FFS is a multifaceted program that uses fishing and other related activities as the “hook” to introduce children of all ages to various aspects of fisheries and aquatic sciences.

Participants discovered a variety of life in the shallows, including dragonfly nymphs, aquatic beetles, snails, fish, and more. Gillett guided them in identifying their catch and explained each organism’s unique characteristics and role in the aquatic food web.

The workshops are part of an ongoing effort to foster environmental stewardship across the 1000 Islands region. The experience offered a mix of education, exploration and conservation for local families and summer visitors.

“Science is for everyone. It shouldn’t be confined to professionals in a lab,” Ms. Gillett added. “When people get to catch and hold a crayfish or other creature, it excites them to learn more about freshwater ecosystems.”

The Minna Anthony Common Nature Center in Wellesley Island State Park offers public programs throughout the summer, including nature walks, hands-on workshops, and family-friendly activities to connect people with the natural world.

Students collected specimens using nets and studied the St. Lawrence River ecosystem.

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