SMS third graders hatch and release trout, make connections between water resources, the environment, and themselves

SWORMVILLE — Third graders at St. Mary School Swormville are “o-fish-ially” ready to release the brown trout they’ve been raising in their classroom into a local stream. A  field trip on Monday, May 20 took them to Ellicott Creek in Williamsville for the release.

Brown trout are considered an indicator species for the overall health of the watershed. If brown trout are present and abundant the watershed may be considered healthy. Brown trout are very sensitive to changes in water quality, temperatures and habitat quality. Changes in the landscape from natural resource extraction, forestry, agriculture, and other development have eliminated brown trout from many of the watersheds throughout their native range.

Science teacher Kristy Witkowski; retired science teacher Polly Lougen; Coach Harrison Reeds, an avid fisherman; along with SMS facilities staff Don Andres and John Turton worked together to set up a cold water aquarium system in the K-3 science lab for the Trout Unlimited “Trout in the Classroom” program this past September. Once a healthy ecosystem was established for the salmonids, 100 eggs arrived, and the monthslong process of monitoring tank conditions began. The goal was to provide consistent, favorable conditions in the tank, so that a high percentage of the sensitive trout eggs would survive.

With an amazing 96 percent hatch rate, Witkowski’s students then spent the fall and winter months studying how the trout developed from eggs, to alevin, to fry, then fingerlings (small fish). As the salmonids grew, so did the student’s interest and concern for the trout and their environment. This has translated into a deep understanding and connection for the students to the watershed systems on which all life depends.

After being released into Ellicott Creek, the fish will continue their journey to adulthood and help populate the creek. Brown trout feed on a wide variety of organisms in the wild, including worms, leeches, crustaceans, insects, mollusks, fishes, amphibians, and/or small mammals depending on the food sources available in their local environment.

Ellicott Creek was chosen after Reeds researched local streams to provide the most suitable conditions for the young fish to continue to thrive and grow. Brown trout require cold, clean water (they prefer temperatures between 55-64 degrees) and can be found in small streams, rivers, beaver ponds, and larger lakes. 

“I have had a wonderful experience working with Trout Unlimited’s Trout in the Classroom program,” said Reeds. “It has been a highly rewarding venture for us at SMS, as we’ve been able to watch our fish grow from little eggs, into recognizable brown trout. Through overcoming the challenges of setup, fish mortality, and chemical balances, we as educators have learned the virtues of patience, and diligence. The students have learned about life cycle elements, Darwinian themes of survival, as well as Christian values of perseverance, fortitude, and charity. I have had the unique experience of sharing my findings and tales with fellow fishermen, and a fish hatchery in the Canadian Province of Ontario. They have given me useful information on raising these beautiful animals, as well as some reassurance on the challenges. In all, it has been a truly worthwhile experience for me, and the students at SMS that work with these amazing and intriguing creatures.”

The Trout in the Classroom program is unique and memorable for students because of its hands-on approach to STEM. The program brings science to life and connects students to watersheds in classrooms. Designed specifically for teachers who want to incorporate hands-on, environmental education into their curriculum, the program teaches the scientific method, as well as the concepts of ecology, population biology, water quality, and conservation. Trout Unlimited’s “Trout in the Classroom” program has been in classrooms across the country for more than three decades, and over 100,000 students participate annually.

Enjoy this photo album of the 2024 SMS “Trout in the Classroom” program from start to finish.