Dive into an Immersive Aquatic Adventure: Explore, Learn, Net! – Youngs Creek in Province Park

Join our DNR Nongame Aquatic Biologist, Brant Fisher, as he teaches us about the Indiana aquatic world through the lens of a stream fish survey. Fisheries biologists conduct stream fish surveys for various reasons throughout Indiana. This in-person event will give participants a behind the scenes view of what these surveys can teach us, what species live below the water's surface, and how data from these surveys are used to understand and manage rare and endangered fish.

This event will take place in-person on Oct. 5, 2024 from 10 a.m.-12p.m. ET in Youngs Creek at Province Park in Franklin, IN. Attendees should park at Franklin Parks and Recreation Department Parking Lot at 396 Branigin Blvd, Franklin, IN 46131 and Brant will meet with the group at the lot for a few minutes discussing the event, prior to navigating to the stream bank as a group. During the netting portion of the event, attendees will have the opportunity to stay along the shore to listen to the information provided or get into the stream to see sampling up close. If you plan to get into the water, please wear clothing and footwear you are comfortable getting wet and dirty. Water shoes, old gyms shoes, or shoes that cover your toes and have a back are recommended. Please bring any water, snacks, sunblock, or bug repellant you will want for the duration of this event. Participants are welcome to bring their own nets, but we will have some as well for people who are interested in assisting with sampling. If you want to bring your own net, please make sure it is legal under our current fishing regulations.

This event is open to participants of all ages, but please ensure children under 18 are accompanied by an adult. If you would like to assist with netting fish during the survey and are over 18 years old, please be sure to have a valid Indiana fishing license. Note: adults don't need to have a fishing license to attend this event, only to assist with fish collection. Children under 18 do not require a fishing license to assist with fish collection.

Registration is required for this event. In the event of high-water levels or rain, the event will be rescheduled. Registrants will be alerted of plans to reschedule via email.

This event will be conducted off a trail in Province Park, a property of Franklin Parks and Recreation in Franklin, Indiana. It will take place on a stream bank and surfaces will be uneven, slippery, and wet. Please contact us for further accessibility information and to request accommodations. DNR values inclusion and access for all participants and will provide reasonable accommodations for this event. Please contact Mariah Mason at [email protected]to make accommodation requests by Sept. 27, 2024.