Students from Benjamin Logan Schools recently had the chance to watch a virtual trout release during their time out of the traditional classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Benjamin Logan educators Spencer Reames, Bruce Smith, Colleen Bodin and Sally Stolly made the trip to Lions Park in West Liberty on April 2 to release the fish into the Mad River. The event was recorded to share as a virtual release with students and the community.
Trout in the Classroom is a national environmental educational program promoted by Trout Unlimited. Ohio’s Madmen Chapter of Trout Unlimited sponsors Trout in the Classroom at Benjamin Logan Local Schools.
Through the initiative, students in grades K-12 have the opportunity to: raise trout from eggs to fry; monitor tank water quality; engage in stream habitat study; learn to appreciate water resources; begin to foster a conservation ethic; and grow to understand ecosystems.
Most schools end the year by releasing their trout in a state-approved stream near the school or within a nearby watershed.
“The release is the most exciting aspect of Trout in the Classroom, and perhaps the most commemorative,” the Benjamin Logan staff members said. “The educators look forward to continuing this project next school year and releasing the trout together with the students.”