More than 100 people gathered along the banks of Ionia State Recreation Area’s Session Lake earlier this summer to enjoy an “Underwater Zoo” program from first-year explorer guide Cathy Lawrence.

The Explorer Program is the DNR's way of providing engaging seasonal environmental education in over two dozen state parks that don’t have full-time visitor centers, and Ionia’s “Underwater Zoo” is just one option offered to campers and day-use visitors.

The program involved an electroshocking demonstration by DNR fisheries biologist Addie Myers. Electroshocking is a humane technique widely practiced in fish sampling, where a small electrical current is used to temporarily stun fish. This doesn’t harm the fish but does cause them to float to the surface of the water, where they are scooped into a net and studied to monitor the overall health of the water system and the biodiversity within it.

Visitors at this event had the opportunity see a wide range of fish up close and to learn more about the bluegill, bass?and?trout that inhabit the local streams and lakes within the park, which is located about halfway between Grand Rapids and Lansing.

“I enjoy being an explorer guide and putting on programs like this because I have a passion for connecting people to the natural world around them,” Lawrence said. “All of my programs focus on the birds, insects, native plants?and?fish at my park, and it’s rewarding to be there, alongside our visitors, learning more about these natural marvels.”

Visitors to Ionia State Recreation Area can enjoy this program when it is offered again Friday, Aug. 9, at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Get programming information and weekly schedules for this park and the other 25 explorer guide parks, with topics ranging from orienteering, wildlife identification and survival skills to astronomy, basic fishing lessons and scavenger hunts, at Michigan.gov/NaturePrograms.

Questions about the DNR’s Explorer Program? Contact Shaun McKeon at 989-370-0789.