“It’s just a really fun atmosphere and a beautiful environment,” said Nicole Vanderploge.
Nicole is a park ranger interpreter for the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
She instructs all sorts of programs, and this one starts with a lesson about the ecosystem.
Creating a web with string to show how each aquatic life – big or small – plays a crucial role in the ecosystem.
“If one thing disappears then it will all disappear because all the environment is connected in some way,” Natalie said.
Then some practice for the fun part — heading to the dock and hooking the bait to go fishing.
“The kids and the parents sometimes will be looking in the water seeing if they can see any fish,” Nicole said.
With a pop can filling in as the fishing pole.
“It’s basically a pop can with fishing line attached to a tab wrapped around a pop can with a bobber sink and hook at the end,” said Nicole.
“I’ve never fished with a pop can in my entire life it’s so easy to make and you can make it at home,” Natalie said.
“It’s cool I can just use a pop can to go fishing — the fish was like this big,” said Trey.
“This is how you reel it in when you get a fish,” said Natalie.
Nicole says it’s important to introduce kids to the outdoors early.
“I think that’s really important because this is a public place for everybody and everyone owns this place,” Natalie said. “It’s really important that people take their part to help protect but also enjoy what they have.”
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