Michigan Sea Grant sponsored a workshop for fourth graders at Alcona Community Schools at Sturgeon Point Lighthouse on May 28, 2008.  Students were bussed in from the school and various activities were slated for the day.  Michigan Sea Grant contacted the Alpena National Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (NFWCO) to inquire if they would participate in the event.  Fishery biologist Scott Koproski participated in the event and his presentation focused on Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in Lake Huron.  Visual aids were used to show the students the difference between AIS and native species which have invaded the lakes.  Round goby, ruffe, zebra mussels, and sea lamprey were just a few species that were discussed.  Students were quite interested in the plasto-mounts and alcohol jars that these species were preserved.  Students were very inquisitive as to how these species got here and biologist Koproski gave them suggestions on how to prevent the unintentional spread of these animals.  He explained how important it is as a recreational fisherman not to release unused minnows (bait bucket transfer) and cleaning their boats to prevent the spread of AIS species. 

The students were divided into four groups and each group had 3-5 chaperones.  A total of 75 students and 16 adults visited the Alpena NFWCO presentation.