SARANAC -- The kids splashed their way from one spot in the small stream to another, many of them bent over and peering into the steadily flowing water.

They were looking for treasure -- not buried riches left by pirates but living specimens from the river bottom that claimed this stretch of water as home.

"We're trying to establish what kind of critters are in the stream for fish to eat," said Christopher Martine, an assistant professor in the Plattsburgh State Biology Department and organizer of a summer biology workshop for area children.

"They're in the stream to kick up dirt and rocks to collect specimens that live here," he added. "It's a way to help them correlate the idea that a healthy stream is full of critters."

NATURAL LESSONS

The kids, ranging in age from 6 to 10, were at True Brook in Saranac for the morning activities. Martine and his Plattsburgh State student assistants, Ben Rundell, Matt Soranno and Jillian Post, were hosting the youngsters as part of Dr. Shrub's Bio Camp 2008.

"It's the second year we've had the camp," Martine said, noting that his wife, Rachel Martine, has also been involved in organizing activities for the camp. "It's a way to help these kids explore their local environment."

The active participation of finding and catching invertebrates and other creatures from the stream gives the students a hands-on understanding of the biodiversity needed for a healthy environment, he added.

STUNNED FISH

As the kids wrapped up their search, Plattsburgh State Associate Professor Tim Mihuc and his student assistants entered the stream.

With the kids watching from the stream bank, Mihuc used an electronic device that shocks the water and momentarily stuns fish living there.

The students collected a few examples, placing a couple of small trout and other species in a small aquarium so the youngsters could view them up close before returning them to the brook.

The week-long activities also included trips to Point au Roche State Park and Lake Alice near Miner Institute.

A GREAT BRIDGE'

The camp was an idea Martine jumped on when a few parents approached him about it last year.