Fishes of the Tuckasegee with Jason Meador

June 16th, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Western North Carolina has the richest aquatic diversity in the state. Come see fish unique to this area, understand why they are found here and why they are vulnerable to extirpation.

Learning objectives:

1. Electrofishing Lower Caney Fork to assess stream quality using fish as bio-indicators. Students will learn electrofishing methods for wadeable mountain streams and fish identification.
2. Snorkel the Tuckasegee River. Students can observe fish (and other aquatic organisms) in their natural environment. Develop a better understanding of the importance of aquatic habitat and sources of habitat loss. Observe interactions among aquatic organisms.

We will begin with a presentation to cover an introduction of the area, safety, endemic species, and methods (30 minutes), 45 minute drive to E Laporte Park, electrofishing (1 hour), break for lunch, and then snorkel (1.5 hours). Price of workshop includes wetsuit and snorkeling gear.

Jason Meador is Mainspring’s Conservation Trust’s Aquatic Programs Manager. He is responsible for engaging youth and adults in the community in the work of Mainspring. He coordinates stream restoration activities and the Biomonitoring Program. Jason received his B.S. in Marine Sciences from North Carolina State University (2004). He later completed his M.S. in Forestry and Natural Resources (2008) with a concentration in fish/wildlife populations, specifically working with freshwater mussels.

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