Biological Resources Division
One of the federal agencies concerned with research and education is the Biological Resources Division
of the USGS. The mission of the Biological Resources Division is to "work with others to provide the
scientific understanding and technologies needed to support the sound management and conservation of
our Nation's biological resources. A fundamental part of our mission is embodied in our deep commitment
to make data and information on the Nation's biological resources more accessible to more people."
The Great Lakes Science Center of the Biological Resources Division is located on the University of
Michigan campus in Ann Arbor. The Center engages in a variety of scientific activities relating to
biodiversity and challenges posed by exotic species. Among its long-term databases are dynamic models
of Great Lakes aquatic communities, including current studies of major fish prey and predator species.
A field station of the Great Lakes Science Center, is located within the Indiana Dunes National
Lakeshore.94
4-H Services
One of the functions of the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service is 4-H. The focus of 4-H is
upon the state's youth. School age participants advance their knowledge through a variety of processes,
including the preparation of exhibits. Subjects addressed include entomology, forestry, and wildlife.
The complexity of projects increases as a participant achieves a greater sophistication in a chosen area
of study.
The Lake County 4-H is implementing an educational program developed by Sea Grant entitled "Wetlands are
Wonderlands." Consideration is also being given to another educational program developed by Sea Grant
to focus upon the challenges presented by the introduction into Lake Michigan and several northern
Indiana lakes of zebra mussels.95
The Porter County 4-H is also reviewing Sea Grant efforts directed to wetlands and zebra mussels. These
programs are designed to help young people understand how they can work with and learn from Sea Grant
materials.96
The Illinois Indiana Sea Grant Program facilitates research and education of coastal issues. The
program has been active in research and education about nonindigenous species. In particular, the
program has developed the Zebra Mussel Mania Traveling Trunk to be implemented into fifth and sixth
grade curriculums across the nation. In addition to learning about zebra mussels, Zebra Mussel Mania
allows students to "learn about other aquatic invaders such as spiny water flea, sea lamprey, ruffe and
purple loosestrife. . ." and understand "the serious problems that may arise when a new species is
introduced in any ecosystem."97
