On Sunday, October 5, 2014, the Young Naturalists Club of the Great South Bay Audubon Society had a special activity awaiting them. Professor Peter Daniel and his lovely wife Lenora gave an exceptional presentation of common aquatic invertebrates. Donning waders, Lenora scooped organic material from the bottom of Green’s Creek, along the east side of Brookside County Park. The muck was placed into clear containers for the children to begin their investigation into the unknown. Lo and behold, the children were thrilled to discover a myriad of life forms flitting among the decomposing leaf debris. “I think it is a water strider!” exclaimed Gigi. “No, it looks like a dragonfly nymph,” countered Aida. “Over here ! I’ve got a baby fish!” chimed Toussaint. “Yes, you caught a wide mouthed bass.”, Professor Daniel proclaimed. All the children gathered to see the inch long fish darting among the muck and pond water. As if this weren’t enough excitement to experience, the children were shown how to carefully collect the aquatic creatures and place them into individual Petri dishes. To their amazement, using the microscopes provided, the children were able to view their catch! Using a laptop attachment, all attendees were able to watch in amazement the beating heart of the bass, the wild flailing of the Caddisfly larva, and the moving body parts of the Backswimmer. The children giggled, squealed and eagerly looked for more creatures to view. Professor Daniel wished all of his lessons were received with such unabashed enthusiasm! A great time was had by all and the YNC is proud to claim many a budding marine biologist among it’s members.

Click to enlarge photos – Photos Courtesy of Janet Gremli