Water Wisdom

Because of her unfamiliarity with angling, her friends thought she might be like a fish out of water, but Karen Grubb dove right into her internship with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

The senior, majoring in both environmental resource management and  agricultural and extension education, wanted to spend her summer days with hands-on outdoor activities, so she gave it a try. "I've never been a serious fisherwoman," said the Wernersville, Pa., resident with a laugh. "It was funny because when I told my friends about this position and that I was hired, they couldn't believe it because they all had more fishing experience than I did. But it turned out to be a great experience."

After a short training period, she actually began teaching kids and adults how to fish. "I had an advantage because most of my programs were introductory for groups that hadn't fished before," Grubb explains. "So I could relate to them, and I was able to narrow things down to the way I learned."

Though Grubb, who is minoring in both watersheds and water resources and environmental soil science, was stationed in Lancaster County, she participated in programs across the eastern part of the state. "We covered 10 counties, so I was rarely going to the same place, and I got to see lots of cool things," she says.

The traveling took her to many state and county parks and even wildlife refuges in Philadelphia. "It was great because you didn't even realize you were in the middle of the city," Grubb says. "I never realized how many scenic public recreation areas the state has, and they are so close to home."

Grubb worked on both indoor and outdoor programs focusing on topics such as environmental awareness, fishing and boating basics, and water quality and safety. "The classes involved a lot of hands-on activities," she says.

"And the internship allowed me to improve on my own fishing and paddling skills. I now feel much more comfortable with and enjoy being around and on the water."