The Mohawk Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited has had a successful trout in the classroom project at New Hartford High School since 1997. It has proven to be a very valuable tool for teaching natural science, conservation, and understanding the need for clean water. Working with a motivated teacher the students also develop responsibility, discipline, and teamwork as they care for the incubating, growth, and ultimate release of the young trout (fingerlings).

The Mohawk Valley Chapter is launching an aggressive program to offer the Trout in the Classroom Program (TIC) to other area schools. These programs have been in place all across the country for more than 20 years. The program was designed specifically for teachers who want to incorporate more environmental education into their curriculum and need outside help. It gives TU members the opportunity to get involved with their local schools, while teaching kids about water quality, aquatic life, and other environmental issues.

Mural by General William Floyd grade 5, Mr Pisani

The central purpose of TIC is to create in youngsters a durable understanding and appreciation of the importance of clean water, the preservation and enhancement of natural resources, protection of the environment and the value of maintaining healthy populations of sport fisheries as an indicator of environmental quality.  A collateral purpose is to encourage young people to enjoy sport fishing as part of a healthy life style and a way to connect with nature.

Under TIC, schools receive trout eggs, hatch them, raise the hatchlings (alevins) into fry and then to the fingerling stage for release in a nearby watershed.  While not a formal part of the curriculum, TIC is closely linked to science and math instruction and learning and meets the required NEW YORK STATE STANDARDS!!!!

WHAT IS TROUT IN THE CLASSROOM??

Trout in the Classroom is a relatively simple program and has been a huge success so far. Basically, teachers set up an aquarium and incubate trout eggs in their classroom, under the guidance of a Trout in the Classroom coordinator (often a TU member). Together, they ensure that all of the equipment has been purchased and is assembled by September. The teacher and students are responsible for daily maintenance and observation of the eggs, while the coordinator is responsible for obtaining permits and delivering the eggs.

The final result is an aquarium full of trout fry that is released into a pre-approved body of water during a class field trip.

Trout in the Classroom is an extremely rewarding program for everybody involved, whether student, teacher, or mentor. The program can be set up in one school, or, as the Long Island Chapter of Trout Unlimited has done, as collaboration with many different schools.