Creeks

In the creek ecosystem tank you will see water running over green algae covered rocks.  Plants are growing in the cracks of the rocks. Plants include ferns, grass and wildflowers.  Salamanders and beetles can be found in this tank.  Fish, snails, little fiddler crabs and shrimp can be seen in here, too.





Creeks are bodies of water that are bigger than streams.  They are usually faster running and deeper than streams.  Creeks eventually run into a river.  Creeks are home to all sorts of wildlife.
 
 

Going Creeking

It is fun to go creeking!
You will need:
old sneakers or rubber boots because you will be walking in the water
an aquatic net, kitchen strainer or a screen
plastic hand lens or magnifying box
binnoculars for things you might see in the trees or meadow
a shallow pan or plastic bucket to save what you catch
a plastic tray to place samples on for easier viewing
an adult to supervise - never go creeking without an adult
a friend to help with the screen or net

What you do:

*Wade into the creek with your boots on.  Don't scuff up the bottom of the creek or any rocks.  You want to keep the water clear.
*Wade into the center of the creek and then you and your buddy should each hold a corner of the screen or net so that the bottom gently scrapes on the bottom of the creek.
*See what collects in the net or screen.
*Place them into your pan or bucket of water.
*You can gently pour them into the shallow pan so that you can observe them.

You should be able to catch small fish, snails, weeds, and water insects.
Always put back the creatures that you find.
 
 
 
 
 

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