Date: 8/21/08
Contact: C. Douglas Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3500

CLARK COUNTY STUDENTS GEAR UP FOR TROUT

Some Clark County school students will soon be learning about the life cycle of rainbow trout, and they will be doing so right in their classrooms. It’s all part of Nevada Department of Wildlife program called “Trout in the Classroom” that’s made available to students in the fourth, fifth and sixth grades.

Teachers who provide the Trout in the Classroom experience must first receive training and equipment from NDOW. This fall that training is scheduled for Sept. 6.

Trout in the Classroom has been available in Clark County for about seven years. During that time, NDOW has furnished the training, curriculum, and equipment necessary for teachers to provide what many describe as a truly unique opportunity for children to observe the life cycle of trout. Once the fish are old enough, the students release their small fry into a local pond where trout are stocked by NDOW.

Currently there are approximately 45 Clark County schools participating in this program. Some schools only have a single classroom involved, while at others the science coordinator uses the tank for an entire grade level. Participating schools will receive their trout eggs in October, and fry releases will take place before the winter break in December. Program space is limited. Teachers interested in this program can register online at the NDOW “Trout in the Classroom” website www.ndow.org/learn.tic or by contacting Ivy Santee at (702) 486-5127, ext. 3503, or via e-mail (isantee@ndow.org). She can generally be reached Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) protects, restores and manages fish and
wildlife, promotes fishing, hunting, and boating safety. NDOW’s wildlife and habitat conservation efforts are primarily funded by sportsmen’s license and conservation fees and a federal surcharge on hunting and fishing gear. Support wildlife and habitat conservation in Nevada by purchasing a hunting, fishing, or combination license. For more information, visit www.ndow.org.