Regional Aquatic Invasive Species Coordinator, Mike Goehle of the Lower Great Lakes Fishery Resources Office presented to the Nature Study class (Biology 302) at Niagara University about connecting with nature.  The course "...fosters a personal, hands-on approach to understanding the natural world.  It is designed to help the student become a better observer, communicator, and educator in the field of nature study…." 

Using PowerPoint, Mike discussed the moments that sparked his interest in the field of natural resource management and what events, while growing up, shaped his decision to pursue this career path.  He used invasive species as an example of why observation and communication are so critical.  Using specific examples, he demonstrated how a person is more likely to notice things in the environment that are different or weren't there previously through observation.  The communication of such observations through appropriate reporting channels is essential to successfully eradicate, control, or prevent further spread of an invasive species.