The Center for Lakes & Streams launched a new educational program, a petting zoo, which was taken to four elementary schools in the county. (Photo provided)

KOSCIUSKO COUNTY  — This April, the Center for Lakes & Streams wrapped up another successful year of excellent K-12 programs. During the 2015-2016 school year, over 7,400 Kosciusko County students participated in our K-12 and community education programs.

Throughout the month, the Center for Lakes & Streams visited four schools with the newly launched petting zoo program. Kindergarten students at Jefferson, Claypool, North Webster and Syracuse elementary schools had the opportunity to interact with lake and stream species including turtles, catfish, crayfish and frogs.

Other programs during the 2015-2016 school year included the annual Lakes & Streams Art Contest, kindergarten Petting Zoos, Classroom Lake Experience, Lake Adventure Days, and collaborative events including the KC Recycling Depot E-Day and Taste of Ag at the Kosciusko County fairgrounds.

Students from across the county learned about lake and stream conservation practices, species native to local lakes, and how to best take care of local waterways through their daily habits.

For more information about the Center for Lakes & Streams K-12 programs, or to be a sponsor, visit its website.