What is Environmental Education?

The majority of outdoorsmen and women have a special place in their hearts for conservation. Protecting our mountains, forests, streams and lakes for the wildlife is a part of our lives. I have been exposed to conservation efforts my entire life, starting with those taking place in Northern Maine. School projects, Boy Scouts, and family recreation entrenched an ethic of conservation and preservation in my family. One of the most memorable projects was during my senior year of high school in an Environmental Science class. We spent a few days studying the water in our local network of rivers. Hands on experience and learning in the outdoors are what made this experience memorable.

I have been learning about “Trout in the Classroom” over the past few weeks. This program provides supplies to elementary and middle school students around the country to hatch trout eggs in the classroom. The program does not directly improve waterways or stock fish; rather it supports interdisciplinary education by combining history, science, arts, literature, and other subjects into a tangible project, hatching fish eggs. It also teaches students about their local fisheries and promotes a culture of conservation. The program culminates when the baby fish (AKA fry) are released into local waterways during the next few weeks. I love it!

Here is a video collage of egg delivery day in the Tahoe Basin. 2000 eggs were delivered. As you will see, the expression on student faces is priceless. It brings me a wealth of joy knowing that our waterways will be cared for generations to come. I am confident that my future children will have tracts of wilderness to explore, thriving with wildlife.

Learn more about Trout in the Classroom by visiting their blog.
http://troutintheclassroom.wordpress.com/about/

Paul Thibodeau