WACF volunteer Nancy Brown teaches a group of bug catchers what to look for.

By Marissa Sweatland
InkFreeNews

SYRACUSE — Kiddos came bearing nets and water shoes as the 2023 Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation Bug Catch commenced this morning Saturday, July 1. Although the skies were gray and stormy, that did not dull the buzzing excitement of the little bug catchers.

The event started in the Ruddell Pavilion where Pam Schumm, WACF education officer, kicked it off with an informative presentation about benthic bugs and macroinvertebrates. The group then hustled down to Hinrichs Waterfront Park, trying hard to beat the impending rain.

The rain did not stop the fun, the bug catchers were enthusiastic and inquisitive about their catches. Pam Schumm and volunteers Nancy Brown and Rob DeBeck were ready to answer questions. The rain made for some blurry pictures, but the memories made will be crystal clear.

WACF Education Officer, Pam Schumm, kicks of the 2023 Bug Catch with a presentation.

The bug catch is fun for the whole family!

Pam Schumm helps a little bug catcher identify some bugs in his catch.

Two little bug catchers get brave and wade deeper into the water.

WACF volunteer Rob DeBeck shows bug catchers some benthic bugs.