FERRUM, VA, October 27, 2026 — Ferrum College students in Dr. Todd Fredericksen’s Fisheries and Wildlife Management class teamed up with George Palmer and Kevin Cox of the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources on October 21 for a hands-on electrofishing demonstration. The electrofishing technique is used to sample fish populations and monitor the health of aquatic ecosystems.
Working from a boat on the College’s Adams Lake, students helped collect, measure, and document fish before returning them to the water. The results were encouraging, especially given this summer’s significant drawdown of the water level for spillway repairs and dredging.
“We captured as many fish this fall as we did during our fall 2024 sampling,” said Dr. Fredericksen. Of the 150 fish processed, only one mortality was recorded, demonstrating that this technique enables researchers to gather valuable population data while minimizing harm to the fish.
The team also discussed ways to manage aquatic vegetation, including the potential introduction of grass carp to help maintain a healthy pond ecosystem.
Dr. Fredericksen, an associate professor of forestry and wildlife, and other professors in the environmental science programs often lead students in activities at the College’s two ponds and surrounding woods. Experiences like this bring classroom concepts to life, equipping Ferrum College students with practical skills and firsthand insight into wildlife management and conservation.
