DNR - Spring 2013 Offerings

Spring 2013 Offerings

Spring 2013 School Program Options:

Children and chaperones look at fish being raised at Wolf Lake State Fish Hatchery.

Fishy Business
Students will tour the hatchery and learn the role hatcheries play in the management and conservation of fisheries throughout Michigan. This interpretive program will show students the process involved in raising millions of fish to stock Michigan's lakes, rivers and streams. The guided program through the hatchery facility offers students a firsthand look at a variety of fish at different life stages. Fish species viewed on the program vary seasonally.

Nature Discovery Walk
Students will take part in a guided nature walk on trails around the hatchery's ponds. They will explore the history of the ponds, the importance of wetlands and will have the opportunity to see a variety of plants and wildlife. Numerous species frequent our ponds including birds, frogs, snakes, turtles and more.

Alien Invaders
Students will learn about invasive species and their impact on the Great Lakes. Species of focus include the Asian Carp, Sea Lamprey, Round Goby, Zebra Mussel, Purple Loosestrife, Mute Swan and more. Students will discover the influence these species have on native flora and fauna as well as how the Department of Natural Resources and Environment manages them throughout the Great Lakes.

Angler Academy
Students will learn fishing ethics, safety, casting basics, how to bait a hook and how to land a fish on our half acre Show Pond. The pond is filled with Steelhead Trout, Chinook Salmon, Northern Muskellunge and more. This program is available on a limited basis.

Great Lakes Legacy
Students will explore the history of Michigan fish hatcheries and our Great Lake fisheries as they are guided through our exhibit hall. They will travel through time on the Wolverine, a replica train car used at one time to transport fish to their stocking locations. Students will learn how hatcheries operated in the past as well as the impact of non-native species, commercial fishing and humans on our lakes, rivers and streams.

Fish Finder
Students will learn about the Great Lakes and the variety of fish species that live there. This program focuses on identifying Great Lakes fish by using a dichotomous key, fish anatomy and physiology. They will go on a Fish Scavenger Hunt to use these new skills to identify a variety of fish including Lake Sturgeon, Northern Pike, Northern Muskellunge, Walleye, Steelhead Trout and Chinook Salmon.

Dinosaurs of the Deep: Story of the Sturgeon
Students will learn about how human activities have impacted the Great Lakes through the story of Michigan's largest and most primitive fish, the Lake Sturgeon. They will discover the remarkable life cycle of a Lake Sturgeon, hear the story of their near extinction in the Great Lakes and how fisheries managers are working to protect their habitat and increase their chances of survival. Students will get their hands dirty as they search the depths of our Show Pond to find a smorgasbord of "sturgeon food" including crayfish, leeches, worms, dragonflies and nymphs. They will also learn the importance of macroinverbrates in determining the overall water quality of an aquatic ecosystem.

Wetland Wonders
Students will explore the value of a wetland ecosystem and the benefits they provide to plants, animals, humans and the environment. They will take a guided hike around our wetlands and have the opportunity to see a variety of plants and wildlife. They will also take part in a hands-on cattail study.

Wild About Water
Students will learn where water is found on Earth and its uses. They will discuss the various sources of pollution and potential steps that can be taken to reduce their impact on our water resources. Students will conduct water quality tests to determine the overall health of our Show Pond. Tests may include measuring pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity and nitrate levels.

Fishy Business On The Road
This is a traveling version of our Fishy Business program. Please see Fishy Business for details. This program is only available in December, January and February.

Self-Guided Option
You will not have an interpretive guide for this program. This program is intended for groups that would like a less-structured visit. Although you will not have a specific time slot reserved, we require all self-guided groups to reserve a morning or afternoon to prevent overcrowding at the visitor center. Self-Guided groups will receive a packet of information to better prepare them in providing students with a memorable and educational experience at the visitor center. Students will have the opportunity to feed fish in our Show Pond, walk the nature trails and utilize the visitor center exhibits. Please call with specific questions. This program does not include a tour of the hatchery.