Red Bank Elementary School had its second Stream Team of the year, with the club members getting to explore the creek, something everyone had been looking forward to. Before entering the creek, the club had a quick rundown about the creatures they might encounter while exploring. With the help of Peri Anne Edwards, the Educational Program Director at WaterWays, they learned the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates. They were told, “Remember, invertebrates are boneless, while vertebrates, like us, touch your back for example, have bones.” The group also went over what it meant to respect the outdoors and how to practice Leave No Trace. This included trying to avoid disrupting the creek by gently putting back rocks and natural debris and, of course, being careful with the critters they encountered so that no accidental “squashings” happened.
With their boots and creek devices, such as critter catchers and a bathyscope, the group headed out to explore. A bathyscope is a large cone-shaped scope that stops ripples in the water and allows one to see the bottom of the creek. Unfortunately, some “swampings” happened, which is when someone accidentally wades too far and fills their boots with water. Nonetheless, everyone had a great time catching all kinds of critters like caddisflies, stoneflies, dragonflies, and some crawfish. Each time a critter was discovered, the whole group gathered around excitedly for viewing. Before they knew it, it was time to head back, which only goes to show how quickly time passes when you are having fun and exploring a creek. The members said they loved being out there and wished they could stay all day, something we love to hear over at WaterWays.
Stream Teams are all about hands-on learning by getting outside. It provides the opportunity for eco-conscious kids to explore and learn more about the creeks, streams, and rivers near them. The program echoes WaterWays’ mission “to lead community action to restore waterways and protect the local ecosystems on which we all depend.” Stream Teams hopes to help kids understand why it’s so important to protect our watersheds.
