Technology Helps Budding Naturalist Develop Eye for Nature
Sixteen-year-old Emily Thomer's interest in nature has been growing for the past four years, but her discovery of the natural world comes with a modern spin. The budding naturalist has found nature through the lens of technology. This proves a passion for the outdoor world may unite nature enthusiasts but their journeys may start from very different trailheads.
Thomer is the featured artist for the Wildlife Department's inaugural Budding Naturalist Shutter Slam. More of her photos can be seen by following the link below.
Read Thomer's Story of Discovery
 Photo by Sam Stukel/USFWS
Species Spotlight: Central Stoneroller
We're focusing on Oklahoma's native fish this #25DaysofFishmas, including small stream fish like the central stoneroller! These fish live up to their name each spring when males begin digging shallow pits for the upcoming spawn. Small pebbles are pushed and even carried out of the nest by mouth. The nests are later used by a suite of other small fish for their spawn.
Central stonerollers are most often encountered in clear streams in eastern Oklahoma where they graze on algal mats on the bottom of the stream.
Learn more about Oklahoma's fish in our online field guide, or using the Fishes of Oklahoma app
In Wild History: Rare and Unique Crayfish Discovered in Oklahoma Cave
Oklahoma's cave life is wrapped in intrigue and filled with many unique and mysterious creatures. While much is yet to be discovered, biologists have long explored and shed light on our underground world. One such exploration, conducted 50 years ago on April 11, 1971, revealed a new and unique species of cave crayfish. Later named the Oklahoma cave crayfish, the colorless invertebrate is known only from 1.3 miles of underground passage in northeastern Oklahoma. This state-endangered species is one of 17 animals that can only be found in Oklahoma.
While the Oklahoma cave crayfish is only known from two cave systems, both caves receive conservation protection.
Arts & Science
The studies of arts and sciences are often thought to be on opposite ends of the spectrum, utilizing either the left brain or the right. But in the field of biology, the two have long gone hand-in-hand. In this story, Wildlife Department supervisor Kurt Kuklinski shares how sketching fish helped build field identification skills that influenced his career.
Read the story and see pages from Kuklinski's sketchbook
Want more fish tales and facts? Swim along with @OkWildlifeDept on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for #25DaysofFishmas!
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