Fourth graders at Blackshear Elementary School enjoyed a visit from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) after learning all about ecosystems.
Jim Page, from Georgia’s DNR, gave a great presentation about how invasive species can affect populations and food webs. He showed students examples of the snakehead fish, Asian carp, zebra mussels, apple snails, flathead catfish and feral hogs while explaining how these animals are harming the environment because they are non-native or invasive species.
In a separate group, Chad Sexton and Kayla Morgan, also from Georgia’s DNR, talked to students about animal adaptations. They brought along a wide variety of local native fish from the Satilla River to show students. The students were able to see how different fish use different adaptations to survive in their environment.
Jason Mitchell led the third group of students in a discussion about different ways they are able to check animal populations, ensuring they are balanced. He brought an electrofishing boat to show students the most efficient way to check populations and to find and eliminate invasive species, like the flathead catfish, that cause harm to the ecosystem.
The 4th graders enjoyed learning more about Georgia’s ecosystems and how they can help keep them balanced. BES staff expressed their appreciation of the DNR providing a hands on learning experience for their students.
