Moreover, we re making the hatcheries more fun to visit. State fish hatcheries provide unique opportunities to see lots of fish at all stages in their life cycles, to learn where the fish are going, and to appreciate the limited role stocking plays in keeping fish populations healthy and productive. Windows into streams allow visitors to watch fish spawning runs. At the Besadny Facility, naturalist Julie Hein-Frank developed a study guide so teachers can prepare students for their field trip. Hein-Frank meets the group at the facility, gives them a tour to explain how egg collection works, then takes them to the adjacent stream to scoop up invertebrates.
Students get their hands wet conducting water quality tests.
After the field experience, teachers get follow-up lessons back in the classroom. Education was part of the renovation plan at the Spooner Hatchery, and when it reopened as the Gov. Tommy G. Thompson Hatchery in 1996, visitors were dazzled by a 24-foot mural created by artist Ruth King, a DNR nonpoint source pollution specialist. Other exhibits offer fishing tips, provide lessons on fish anatomy, and explain the hatchery workings. The Yellow River Flowage, which is a short walk from the front door, is part of a shoreline demonstration project. Shell Lake Elementary, Spooner Elementary and others in the community helped plant native shrubs and grasses.