{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Radio Chatskill","title":"Local Youth Dive into Stream Science This Summer with “Stream Keepers” Program","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":501,"description":"This summer, kids across Pike and Wayne Counties have a chance to trade video games and screens for nets and waders, thanks to a unique program offered by the Pike County Conservation District. The Streamkeepers Program is a free, interactive experience aimed at youth ages 11 to 14 — and their chaperones — that brings stream science to life.The program combines environmental education with outdoor adventure, offering hands-on activities such as macroinvertebrate surveying, fly tying, and fly casting to teach young participants about stream ecosystems and the importance of clean water.“It’s all about getting kids in the stream and engaging them in real science,” said Rachel Marks of the Pike County Conservation District. “We want them to understand how these small creatures — the macroinvertebrates — play a big role in the overall health of the ecosystem.”What’s a Macroinvertebrate?Don’t let the big word scare you. Macroinvertebrates are small stream-dwelling creatures — like aquatic insects and larvae — that can be seen with the naked eye. Because they are sensitive to pollution and other environmental changes, they serve as bioindicators of stream health.“They’re fun to find, and they’re a great teaching tool,” added Emily Mansfield, who co-leads the program. “The kids love flipping over rocks to find these tiny critters, and we use that excitement to talk about water quality and ecosystems.”A Creative and Scientific ConnectionThe Streamkeepers program was originally developed by Trout Unlimited, a national nonprofit dedicated to freshwater conservation. That partnership continues today, with local Trout Unlimited members leading fly tying demonstrations that mimic the macroinvertebrates found in the stream. Kids choose their own colors and materials to design their flies — and even take them home.“Fly tying and fly casting are not just fun,” said Marks. “They help kids understand the food web and the importance of preserving natural habitats.”Beyond the...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/q7XXsnSXT_u4mZLCn3chUorwDmUD_kWiB272D6emB18/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS80N2Uy/OGY5MWUwZThkYTEw/NDVkZGM2ZGZkZDIw/ZjliOS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}