Girl Scouting often involves taking on a new world of discovery with each new badge, patch and event that girls come across. This summer, girls got to try something they’ve never done before: dive deep into the fishery industry and became fisheries biologists for day!
The first ever “A Day in the Life of a Fisheries Biologist” program occurred in July at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge and served 28 Girl Scouts from all over the Council! It was a VERY hands on and time intensive event. Girl Scouts (and their curious parents/adults) spent four hours learning about:
- Fish anatomy
- Working through a dichotomous key to properly identify several Great Lakes fish species and two Michigan turtle species
- How to set, pull and process their catch from minnow traps and fyke nets
- How to safely and properly handle several fish species
- How to safely wear and care for waders, fisheries assessment gear and proper water safety
At the end of the program, girls even did a fun craft activity where they were able to make up and design “their own” fish species! Overall the event exposed girls to more than 19 Great Lakes fish species and two Michigan turtle species! Each and every Girl Scout in attendance was able to handle and release several fish and work through the key to learn the species name. The best part? Not a single Girl Scout complained about being sweaty, slimy or covered in mud….just smiles, laughter and oh so many curious/excited questions!
Want to find more ways to have fun outdoors? Head to www.gssem.org/GO
