The Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited this week announced the award of 13 grants to local Trout Unlimited Chapters and their partner schools around the state to support Trout in the Classroom projects.

Trout in the Classroom is an environmental education program in which students in grades K-12 raise trout from eggs to fry, monitor tank water quality, engage in stream habitat study, learn to appreciate water resources, begin to foster a conservation ethic and grow to understand ecosystems.

Most programs end the year by releasing their trout in a state-approved stream near the school or within a nearby watershed. A summary report after the project is required.

During the year each teacher tailors the program to fit his or her curricular needs. Therefore, each program is unique. TIC has interdisciplinary applications in science, social studies, mathematics, language arts, fine arts, and physical education.

Each chapter is expected to work hand-in-hand with the teacher and the students to implement the program. The grant will provide the Chapter / School with all of the gear and training necessary to start the program. Chapters will be expected to cover half the cost of the setup, approximately $500.

The Trout Unlimited chapters awarded grants are:

· Cornplanter Chapter of TU, school partner St Joseph's School;

· Doc Fritchey TU, school partner Cathedral School;

· Ken Sink TU, school partner Indiana Area Senior High School;

· Bucks County TU, school partner William Tennent High School;

· Tulpehocken TU, school partner Oley Valley High School;

· Mountain Laurel Chapter of TU, school partner Berlin Brothersvalley Middle School;

· Art Bradford Northern Tier TU, school partner Mehoopany Elementary School;

· Valley Forge TU, school partner Avon Grove Charter School;

· Iron Furnace TU, school partner Boundary Street Elementary;

· Cumberland Valley TU, school partner Cumberland Valley High School;

· Penn's Woods West TU, school partner McKnight Elementary School;

· Fort Bedord TU, school partner Northern Bedford Middle School; and

· Forks of the Delaware TU, school partner Nazareth Middle School.

For more information, contact Deborah Nardone, PA Council Trout Unlimited by calling 814-359-5233 or by sending email to: dnardone@coldwaterheritage.org .

10/5/2007