Aaron Chin always has something interesting to keep him busy and this summer is no different. The incoming Huntington High School senior has been volunteering at the Cold
Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium.
Mr. Chin is a naturalist-in-training. He assists with the facility’s many summer programs and activities. This marks the teenager’s fifth year at the site and he has proven to be popular with the professional staff and the youngsters who participate in the initiative.
During the summer camp program, kids ages 4-14 learn about local wildlife that can be found near the fish hatchery. Participants spend time studying the contents found in two aquarium buildings and in eight outdoor ponds as well as getting an eye-opening education from feeding the trout at the site. The Cold Spring Harbor facility boasts the largest living collection of New York State fish, reptiles and amphibians.
Mr. Chin has volunteered to assist with many programs, including Close Encounters Of The Natural Kind, Curious Naturalists and Junior Biologists.
During Close Encounters Of The Natural Kind, campers participate in four one-day programs that all relate to nature, including “Fancy Fish,” where the campers learn all about the fish at the Hatchery; “Turtle Tuesdays,” a day dedicated to learning about turtles; “Amazing Amphibians,” where the campers learn about and examine amphibians; and “Recycling,” where campers learn the importance of recycling.
During Curious Naturalists, campers examine and learn about the natural environment around the hatchery and use scientific methods to apply their knowledge. Finally, during Junior Biologists, campers study the field of biology to study and explore the environment. The group also explores the local salt marsh and freshwater pond.
A non-profit environmental education center committed to educating visitors about the state’s freshwater ecosystems, the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery and Aquarium was founded in 1883 as a state trout hatchery. It transitioned to an educational center operated by the Friends of the Cold Spring Harbor Fish Hatchery in 1982. It currently includes a pair of aquarium buildings containing freshwater fish, amphibians and reptiles and eight ponds stocked with trout of various sizes and ages as well as local fish. “Catch and keep” trout fishing is available year-round. There are several environmental education programs offered along with a selection of summer camps.
Rather than stay home and not do a whole lot during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Chin has chosen to use his time wisely for personal growth and satisfaction as well as helping others and sharing his love of science. It’s been a fun experience for him as well as for the camp program participants he’s worked with these past two months.
