Staples High School, Westport—Nutmeg’s first TIC site

On November 19th approximately 150 brown trout eggs were brought to Staples High School from the Burlington hatchery by TIC monitor and Nutmeg webmaster Gian-Andrea ("John") Morresi. We were fortunate to have the help of Ken Balog, former Nutmeg Secretary and past president of the Norwalk Aquarium Society, to work out some problems with the testing of the tank before we introduced the fish. Ken also helped to acclimate the eggs into their new environment when they arrived at Staples. John told us Ken was surrounded by crowd of students anxious to learn more about the start of Nutmeg’s first venture into the TIC program.

In early December the eggs hatched and as of our last report we experienced very little mortality. Ken Balog reports the students have been very responsible in monitoring the conditions in the tank. Within the next few weeks we will be exchanging the chiller with an American made unit since we have problems with the Chinese made chiller.

Michael Aitkenhead, Advanced Placement Science Teacher, Staples HS, reports:

...the fish are still doing quite well and survived the holiday break (only lost 1 fish which was on its way out anyway). The population is at ~150 at this point. The yolk sacs are long gone and they seem to be growing rather quickly (they've also begun to develop a striping pattern).

They are pretty active but I'm leaving them in the [nest] box to initiate feeding.

I fed them once over break and have fed them the past two days. I've added very small pinches of food about four times a day. It is a little tough to see if they are eating it all though because they swim away when the food is added. When I return after several minutes, I see a few feeding, but again, since they are timid of us, it is hard to observe feeding.

The students have really taken to the project and they are quite amazed with how quickly the trout have been growing and developing. Students from all three of my AP Environmental Science classes are responsible for caring for the tank. Each morning, for about 20 minutes before school, a group of 4-5 students comes in to perform their 'trout duties.' This essentially involves testing the chemistry of the water (Dissolved Oxygen, pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrates), making observations of the trout development, behavior, and population, and making water changes or cleaning the tank. It has been an incredibly fun learning experience for all of us and we can't wait to see them released in the spring.

If you’d like to get involved with TIC and be a monitor at a school, please contact
Bill Moskalski at 218-5171.


courtesy of the New Jersey DEP, Division of Fish & Wildlife

 

What is Trout in the Classroom?

Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is a relatively simple environmental education program that can be adapted across the curriculum for grades K-12. Enthusiastically received by Connecticut teachers, TIC has grown from one classroom offering the program in school year ‘05/06 to 22 classrooms in school year ‘06/07.

Classrooms receive a specially equipped aquarium and fertilized trout eggs in the fall. TU chapters furnish tanks and chillers, eggs, feed, training and assistance to teachers who wish to present the course.

Teachers set up an aquarium and incubate trout eggs in their classroom with the help of a Trout in the Classroom coordinator (a TU member.) Together, they ensure that all of the equipment has been purchased and is assembled by September. In general 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.

At the end of the program in spring, the final result is an aquarium full of trout fry (juvenile fish) that are released into a state-approved body of water during a class field trip in late May to early June. Trout in the Classroom is an extremely rewarding program for students, teachers and mentors. The program can be set up in one school or in collaboration with different schools.

What are the requirements for setting up a program?

  • Interested teacher
  • Permission of school principal
  • Aquarium and other related equipment

I’m interested. Please tell me more.

  • Learn more at www.troutintheclassroom.org
  • If you are a teacher, parent or administrator from Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Milford, Monroe, Norwalk, Orange, Redding, Shelton, Stratford, Trumbull, Weston, Westport or other local town, please contact us directly: Nutmeg TU Trout In the Classroom Coordinator: Bobbi Kurman -- Home (860) 274-6099; Cell (203) 449-4411.
  • Still have questions? Get in touch with the TU western Connecticut TIC Coordinator, Ed Albrecht: albrecht_ed@yahoo.com or (203) 271-1103.
  • For a list of Connecticut schools participating during the '06/'07 schoolyear please visit www.cttrout.org

 

YMCA and TU bring you the
WOOLLEY BUGGER FISHING CLUB!
"we fish to live and live to fish"

Here's your chance to learn how to catch fish and get together with other kids who share your interest. The Woolley Bugger Club focuses on activities related to fishing including fly-tying, field trips, casting instruction, guest speakers, and of course, fishing. The club is open to boys and girls, age 8 and up, and meets on a monthly basis. For more information contact Todd Stenz at (203) 952-3756. YMCA or TU membership not required.

Click here for online registration.

 

OTHER T.U. YOUTH PROGRAMS
Conservation & Fishing Youth Camps

The camps include a comprehensive curriculum and draw upon the expertise and commitment of professional resource managers, scientists, fly tiers, fishing guides, and experienced TU volunteers. Many include hands-on experience with a habitat restoration project and the opportunity to fish a variety of local waters. During the camp, the young anglers learn much more than fishing skills -- they gain an appreciation for the need to protect our coldwater fisheries and other natural resources.
Fly Fishing Merit Badge

The new Fly Fishing Merit Badge was established in May of 2002. It gives Boy Scouts the opportunity to learn about fly fishing, fly tying, and fishing conservation. It also offers Trout Unlimited members the unique opportunity to share their fly fishing knowledge with our nation’s youth.

 

KIDS' LINKS

CARE classes introduce you to the wonders of water, fish and fishing. The CARE program has taught over 66,000 citizens about water, fish and fishing since 1986. Our Certified Instructors will pass along the knowledge they have learned through years of angling. Videos, demonstrations and activities will teach and entertain youths and adults alike. The program is comprised of free classes and outdoor workshops which foster resource stewardship, promote an understanding of aquatic systems and fishery management decisions and encourage both an understanding and utilization of aquatic resources.

 
A special initiative designed to encourage Connecticut families and visitors alike to enjoy all the recreational resources and outdoor activities that Connecticut's state parks and forests have to offer!
   
The mission of 4-H is to assist youth in acquiring knowledge, developing life skills and forming attitudes which will enable them to become self directing, productive and contributing members of society. Volunteers and 4-H Program Staff organize and conduct educational and project activities in a community or camp setting.
Don't miss this website: www.4hfishing.org -- the Colorado 4-H Sportfishing Program, with lesson plans by Phil Genova, author of First Cast: Teaching Kids to Fly-Fish. Based on the Fly Fisher Apprentice Program, the book covers tackle, fly tying, casting, knots, wading, plus how to instill respect for trout and their habitat.

 

Also...
go! A Walk in the Woods: gain an appreciation of nature! (gr 3-5)
go! CT DEP's Just for Kids Wildlife Page: Activities, pictures, and fun facts.
go! Discovery Kids: Games, videos, puzzles.
go! EcoKids: Earth Day Canada's environmental education program for youth who care about the planet.
go! EEK! - Environmental Education for Kids!: E-magazine by the Wisconsin DNR. (gr 4-8)
go! EPA's Environmental Kids Club: Explore your environment and learn how to protect it! Games, pictures, and stories.
go! Junior Fish & Wildlife Biologist: from the US Fish & Wildlife Service.
go! Kid Outdoors: an e-zine for kids and their families exploring the great wide open.
go! Kids & Fishing: About.com's page of relevant links, for parents.
go! Kids' Planet: by Defenders of Wildlife. Games and other cool stuff.
go! Nab the Aquatic Invader!: Major arrests need to be made. Junior Detectives are needed! (gr 4-10)
go! National Geographic Kids: Games, stories, news, animals, pictures, postcards & more.
go! Planet ARKive: species profiles with accompanying wild facts, as well as fun games, quizzes and activities. (age 7-11)
go! Polluted Runoff: Games, activities, and other stuff for kids, from the EPA.
go! Safe4Fish: Test your stormwater knowledge in the games section, or try one of the fun projects!
go! Sammy Salmon: My buddies and I are going to tell you about my life story (I'm one of the Pacific salmons.)
go! Teens for Planet Earth: discover how 14- to 17-year-olds can – and do – make a difference.
go! The Salmon Challenge: a game to help you see how your decisions help or harm our environment and our salmon. (gr 4-9)
go! Trout Tail: Games, of course. Information for parents too, on introducing kids to fly fishing.

The"smiling trout" header image is copyright © Dave & Emily Whitlock