Science teacher Mary Frances Bowman has introduced her sixth and seventh grade students at St. Margaret Mary School in Penbrook, Dauphin County, to Trout in the Classroom, a program developed by national Trout Unlimited to teach students about coldwater conservation.

With about 200 brown trout eggs supplied by the Fish and Boat commission and support provided by the Doc Fritchey Chapter of Trout Unlimited, the students will raise the trout over the winter months and release them into one of the local streams.

David Cross, a parent advisor for the program, was quoted in a recent Patriot-news article as saying it is designed “to create an awareness of the environment.” He called the results “excellent” and said the students are excited about the program. “They’re learning a lot about water quality, pollution and conservation.”

Bowman observed that the students “get to see the fish develop inside the eggs. They can see the eyes through the shells. They’re realling enjoying it. They cange the water weekly, check mortality rates, water conditions.”

St. Margaret Mary School is the first school in the Harrisburg area and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg to include this program in its curriculum.

Other schools in the area served by the Doc Fritchey Chapter who would be interesting in starting a Trout in the Classroom program next fall should call Frank Viozzi at 717-566-7920 or information on the program and funding available through the Chapter.

Other Chapters of Trout Unlimited around Pennsylvania also sponsor local Trout in the Classroom Programs. To contact a chapter near you, visit the PA Trout Council webpage.

(Reprinted from the Hatches newsletter, Doc Fritchey Chapter Trout Unlimited)

2/23/2007