As such a small agency, ANHC's staff members wear many hats. Recently, our Aquatic Ecologist, Dustin Lynch, assisted with the Ozark Natural Science Center's AEGIS Camp Wet 'n Wild for the third year in a row, providing outreach and education. 





Lynch provided hands-on aquatics instruction and, with colleagues from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, led 25 10th and 11th grade students and counselors in a variety of activities, including kick-seining and stream snorkeling. Campers learned about aquatic habitats and conservation, and received hands-on experience with a variety of species of fishes, crayfishes, aquatic insects, reptiles, amphibians and more. The event was held at Withrow Springs State Park. 
Photos:
Top — ANHC Aquatic Ecologist, Dustin Lynch, demonstrates and discusses aquatic life with AEGIS students during the 2022 Project Wet 'n Wild summer program. Photo by ANHC Habitat Coordinator Emily Roberts.

Middle — 2023 AEGIS Camp Wet 'n Wild participants check a seine for aquatic species. Photo by Katie Morris, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.  

Bottom — A juvenile Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica), found during the 2023 AEGIS Camp Wet 'n Wild. Photo by Dustin Lynch.