A young Bible school student is ready with her magnifying lens to help identify aquatic invertebrates. - Photo by Sheila Allard

Vacation Bible School students examine a water and aquatic invertebrate samples collected at the Upper Mississippi River NW&FR - Winona District. - Photo by Sheila Allard

Vacation Bible School students from First Congregational Church in Winona, Minn., took part in outdoor activities of the Fish and Wildlife Service, June 12-13. Activities were designed to increase their awareness of the abundant natural wonders in their backyard. 

Service staff were contacted by the Church requesting assistance with teaching the students “stewardship” of the river ecosystem and the fish and wildlife that call it home. 

Ann Runstrom, LaCrosse FRO, Cindy Samples, Upper Mississippi River NW&FR, and Brian Pember, Upper Mississippi River NW&FR-Winona District, taught the kids about local plants (including hands-on experience with poison ivy), invertebrates, fish, and wildlife and their roles in the ecosystem. 

Kids were able to touch lake sturgeon and learn about their behavior and adaptations to live in the river.  The following day, kids went out to the Upper Mississippi NW&FR and helped collect, examine, and identify invertebrates and fish.