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Trout in the Classroom Program

  • The New Hampshire Fish and Game Hatchery in New Durham where the eggs come from
  • Eggs in the trays waiting for new homes.
  • The trays with the eggs have water constantly flowing over them.
  • Trout fry in an egg basket as they develop.
  • Eric Swope explaining the importance of clean water and proper habitat for the trout fry to be released.
  • Trout fry ready to be released.
  • The stream that will be the new home to the fry.

Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is an environmental program in which students in grades K-12;

  • raise trout from eggs
  • monitor tank water quality
  • engage in stream habitat studies
  • learn to appreciate water resources
  • begin to foster a conservation ethic
  • grow to understand their eco-system

        Trout in the Classroom links

Most programs end their year of study by taking their trout to an approved stream near the school or in an appropriate watershed. During the year the teachers tailor the program to fit his or her curricular needs.  Therefore, each program is unique that the particular school.  TIC has interdisciplanary applications in science, social studies, language arts, mathematics and physical education. TIC in New Hampshire is supported by NH Trout Unlimited Council, Trout Unlimited chapters and New Hampshire Fish & Game.  There are currently 50+ schools participating in this program throughout New Hampshire. In the Mondanock region the program supports the following schools:

Keene - Fuller Elementary School, Keene High School. Monadnock Waldorf School, St. Patrick's School

Swanzey - Monadnock Regional High School

Harrisville - Wells Memorial School

Peterborough - ConVal Regional High School

The Monadnock Chapter supports the program with volunteer support and the purchase of supplies and chillers for the aquarium tanks. The City of Keene provides support and chillers for the schools. The Cheshire County Conservation District contributes to the purchase of the chillers. The most important people involved are the teachers who shepherd the eggs from start to release. They work with their students to help them understand the basics of water quality and gain an understanding of ecosystems. They are the ones who change the water, monitor pH and then coordinate the release of the fry.