Georgia Highland College was awarded a $1,000 education grant from the North American Native Fishes Association (NANFA). The Gerald C. Corcoran Education Grant is a highly competitive grant with only two projects awarded in 2016.

The grant money will go toward the Division of Science and Physical Education’s “Wetlands Experience.”

“This grant specifically provides funding to create informational signage around Paris Lake regarding the diversity of North Georgia’s freshwater habitats and the purchase of bathy scopes (used for underwater viewing of specimens) to enhance our Wetlands Experience program,” Associate Professor of Biology Veronica Morin said.

Morin explained GHC’s “Wetlands Experience” aims to provide local public school students the opportunity to explore wetland habitats and learn about wetland ecosystems and conservation.

“The NANFA grant will allow us to enrich our current program by placing informational signs on various aspects of freshwater ecosystems and the threat of invasive species around Paris Lake,” she said. “The reach of this grant extends far beyond the ‘Wetlands Experience,’ and will provide opportunities for everyone in the GHC community to learn interesting facts about freshwater habitats as they enjoy time spent around Paris Lake.”

Instructor of Biology Jason Christian worked with Morin to secure the grant. He stated the informational signage will add a nice touch to GHC’s already beautiful campus.

“The grant will help to enlighten any visitor to GHC’s wetlands on the biodiversity that can be found in their backyard,” he said.

The award was established in memory of past NANFA President Gerald C. Corcoran, who stressed public education regarding the continent’s native fishes. NANFA is an organization made up of home and professional aquarists, university and other professional researchers, conservationists, anglers and naturalists. As its name implies, the group is dedicated to the study and conservation of North America’s native fishes.

CAPTION: Students from Redbud Elementary School take advantage of Georgia Highlands College’s “Wetlands Experience.”