WINTHROP — Tadpole Patrol is the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed’s innovative and immersive learning experience aboard the Otter II, a 22-foot pontoon boat. For 13 years, children have boarded the “floating classroom” to learn about lake ecology and how to test and protect water quality.

The Tadpole Patrol program offers five levels of lake exploration. Level 1 is the original Tadpole Patrol program geared for children entering grades two to four. At this level, children will experience the ecology of the lake through exploration, observing wildlife in and out of the water and learn the basics of water testing with professional equipment.

The second level is TP II- Lake Science Investigators and is for children entering grades four to six.

Level II investigators become “science investigators” as they practice their observation and data collection skills with their own keepsake journal. Participants are able to view aquatic life using an underwater camera and begin to learn about identifying native and non-native plant species as well as the threat of invasive aquatic plants to the area.

TP3- Jr. Lake Monitors is the third level offered for youth entering grades six and up. Participants continue their scientific investigations as they are educated to conduct proper water quality date measurements themselves and will compare their collected data with data recorded by the scientists at Cobbossee Watershed District.

The fourth version, Spotter’s Amphibious Adventures, is for children age 8 and older where both land and water are explored. Participants cruise with the Friends to a private island to explore, learn all about the importance of riparian areas and the basics of “Leave No Trace” principles.

Lastly, families may join the “floating classroom” in a 90-minute excursion to observe wildlife above and below the water, share historical lake facts and experience water monitoring with professional equipment.

FMI: cami@watershedfriends.com, 207-621-4100.

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