June 9 is National Get Outdoors Day.

To celebrate, Dr. La Toya Kissoon-Charles participated in the Aquatic Bio Blitz at George Washington Carver National Monument.

The event was open to the public, but many of the visitors were junior rangers and their families.

After a tour of the aquatic life in the streams and ponds, interactive booths were set up to further explore what is hiding underneath the surface.

Kissoon-Charles, assistant professor of biology, led a booth that showcased live samples from the park that included aquatic plants and organisms.

She used this opportunity to remind visitors of the importance of aquatic plants. They provide food, habitat and refuge for various organisms, including fish.

This event leads to greater awareness about aquatic life, Kissoon-Charles said. It also teaches people to appreciate aquatic ecosystems.

Kissoon-Charles interacted with the junior rangers, ranging from ages 7-12, the most.

“Making connections with the youngest park visitors who not only had intriguing questions but also had an incredible amount of knowledge about various organisms that live in the water was the best part of the day,” Kissoon-Charles said.