Students sift through UHL's simulated stream in search of "invertebrates."

UHL limnologists Katie Spoelstra, Jim Luzier and Kyle Skoff led the young scientists on an "Aquatic Safari" that simulated seining techniques to collect fish, demonstrated Ponar sampling used to gather sediment and featured a kid-friendly electrofishing exercise.

"The backpack shocker probe was rigged with magnets so that the kids were able to collect paperclip fish as they navigated through the 'stream,'" Katie says of the electrofishing portion of the Aquatic Safari. "We do not attach a battery, which makes the shocker lighter and safer for the children."

Other UHL water experts on hand for the festival include Mike Birmingham and Matt Watters who manned a "What's Bugs Got to Do with It?" display. Meanwhile, UHL's Andrea Berg, environmental lab tech, and Christie Redler, ISU intern, helped Johanna Weber of the Urbandale Water Department and John Elliott from the Council Bluffs Water Works lead a presentation of "Edible Aquifers."

A young fisherwoman practices a limnologist technique used to gather fish.

"I enjoy introducing the idea of using fish and aquatic insects as bioindicators to determine stream health," Katie says. "It is important that they learn how pollution affects these critters and what they can do to improve our waterways."

UHL has participated in nearly every festival since its inception. This is Katie's sixth year to present the Aquatic Safari.

"I love it when the kids really get involved," she adds. "Their excitement and participation show they are learning and having fun at the same time. The kids enjoy being limnologists. They love the hands-on activities."