The watershed warriors: invasive species watch is a dynamic community education initiative focused on raising awareness about the ecological threats posed by invasive fish species, particularly the…

The watershed warriors: invasive species watch is a dynamic community education initiative focused on raising awareness about the ecological threats posed by invasive fish species, particularly the northern snakehead. Native to asia, northern snakeheads are aggressive freshwater fish that can severely disrupt local ecosystems. Though popular among recreational anglers due to their fighting ability, state law mandates that any caught snakeheads must be immediately euthanized to prevent their spread. This initiative centers around camdens promise charter school middle school students, engaging them in a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience about invasive species including northern snakeheads, blue catfish, and flathead catfish. Through curriculum-integrated lessons, students will explore the ecological impact of these species and the importance of local conservation efforts. Field experiences aboard upstream alliances watershed education vessel, the firefly, will further immerse students in real-world environmental science. Onboard, theyll learn to identify, target, catch, and humanely euthanize snakeheads, as well as distinguish them from native species like the bowfin. To extend the impact beyond the classroom, the camden charter school network will sponsor community fishing rodeos. Select students, now trained and informed, will help educate participants on the ecological dangers of invasive species and proper fish handling practices. These community events will serve both as educational outreach and as a means to directly combat the snakehead threat. Looking ahead, the watershed warriors program aims to expand across other charter schools, broadening its reach and bolstering community-based conservation throughout the region.