PA Trout Unlimited this week announced grants to 14 schools across the state to participate in its Trout in the Classroom environmental education program.

PA Trout Unlimited is also seeking an Outreach Coordinator for the TIC Program. (See separate story)

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

TIC has interdisciplinary applications in science, social studies, mathematics, language arts, fine arts, and physical education. Most programs end the year by releasing trout in a state-approved stream near the school or within a nearby watershed.

The schools receiving the grants and their sponsoring organizations follow:

· South Buffalo Elementary School, Armstrong County, Arrowhead Chapter of TU;

· Hamburg Area School District, Berks County, Tulpehocken Chapter TU;

· Council Rock High School South, Bucks County, Bucks County TU;

· Butler Junior High School, Butler County, Connoquenessing Watershed Alliance;

· South St. Forest Hills High School, Cambria County, Mountain Laurel TU;

· Curwensville Jr / Sr High, Clearfield County, Curwensville Area SD;

· DuBois Area Middle School, Clearfield County, Allegheny Mountain TU;

· Cedar Cliff High School , Cumberland County, Cumberland Conservation District;

· Wilson Middle School, Cumberland County, Cumberland Valley of TU;

· New Cumberland Middle School, Cumberland County, Cumberland Valley of TU;

· Mechanicsburg Middle School, Cumberland County, Cumberland Valley Chapter TU;

· Match / Science Academy, Dauphin County, Doc Fritchey Chapter of TU;

· Marys Street Elementary, Elk County, James Zwald TU;

· Elk County Catholic High School, Elk County, Elk Conservation District;

· Carmichaels Area, Fayette County, Chestnut Ridge TU;

· Hickory Grove Elementary School, Jefferson County, Iron Furnace Chapter of TU;

· Lack-Tuscarora Elementary, Juniata County, Penns Creek Chapter of TU;

· Jersey Shore Area Middle School, Lycoming/Clinton Counties, Lloyd Wilson TU;

· Clear Run Intermediate School, Monroe County, Brodhead TU;

· Evans Elementary, Montgomery County, Freinds of Mingo Creek; and

· Easton High School, Northampton County, Forks of the Delaware TU.

6/20/2008