Mobile Aquatic Exhibitions Delivered "Fin-Credible" Time for Ripley Co. Residents

Monday, July 25th, 2022 9:23am

By Genesis: Pathways to Success, news release

Coral Cat Sharks and Yellow StingRays were exhibited at two locations in Ripley Co. last week.

Photo provided.

(Ripley County, Ind.) - Mobile Aquatic Exhibits were brought to multiple locations in Ripley County this past week as part of Genesis: Pathways to Success’ A Summer of STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, & Mathematics) initiative. Led by the Newport Aquarium’s WAVE Foundation, the mobile programming featured two different aquatic animals and explained how everyone can play a role in each creature’s conservation.

With the mission, “to excite, engage, and educate the community about the wonders of aquatic life and the importance of conservation,” the WAVE Foundation brought science alive in Ripley County over the course of two days and impacted approximately 250 individuals. Coral Cat Sharks were exhibited at the Bridge of Hope Worship Center on July 21st, and Yellow StingRays were exhibited at Liberty Park in Batesville and the Ripley County Fairgrounds on July 22nd.

“Not many individuals are fully aware of the similarities and differences between these two fascinating creatures, and any way that we can expand programming outreach about marine life is just one of the ways we can play a role in their conservation,” stated Clarice Patterson, Director of Genesis: Pathways to Success. Patterson further stated, “For example, did you know that Yellow StingRays are a type of fish, and Coral Cat Sharks lay eggs? You just learned something new, and you can play a role in their conservation by relaying these facts to someone else. It’s a win-win concept.”

Attendees of the mobile aquatic exhibitions learned about each animal’s survival methods, the habitat at which they live in, and closely related species, in addition to the animal’s diet and body shape. This interactive experience was followed by an experiential learning opportunity. Attendees had the chance to touch the sharks and stingrays.

Kylie Werner, Ripley County 4-H Board Member and an attendee of the stingray exhibition, said, “Hosting the WAVE Foundation’s mobile Ray Cart was a fabulous addition to the Ripley County 4-H Fair because it gave many adults and children the opportunity to interact with creatures that aren’t native to rural Southeastern Indiana. Allowing attendees to touch the stingrays provided an intriguing learning opportunity that left everyone feeling exhilarated.”

To help kick off Ocean Week in Ripley County, the Gibson Theater in Batesville provided a free, ocean-related movie on Tuesday, July 19th. Viewers watched Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.

To learn more information about this summer program or if you have any questions, please contact Clarice Patterson by emailing cpatterson@genesisp2s.org, calling 812-933-1098, visiting www.genesisp2s.org, or stopping by the office at 13 E. George Street, Suite B, Batesville, IN, 47006

More from Local News

Events

2023 Memorial Day Observances

If there is an event not on our list that you would like to see included, please email the full details to us.

This Weekend Marks Five Year Anniversary of Dearborn County Murder

Detectives continue to investigate the 2018 Memorial Day weekend murder of Tom Biedenharn.

Rep. Lyness, Sen. Perfect Speak at Post Legislative Luncheon

The lawmakers were in Lawrenceburg on Wednesday to review happenings during the 2023 legislative session.

Local Sports Report - May 25, 2023

Postseason results for Boys Track & Field, Softball and Baseball.

Local Sports Report - May 24, 2023

Postseason play rolled on in tennis, softball, and baseball.

Local Sports Report - May 23, 2023

IHSAA Girls Track & Field Regional, Girls Tennis Regional and IHSAA Softball Sectional results.

On Air

Hardy Give Heaven Some Hell 16:33
Alabama If You're Gonna Play In Texas 16:29
Dan + Shay You 16:26
Zac Brown Band Colder Weather 16:21