Date: 12/11/08
Contact: C. Doug Nielsen
Phone: (702) 486-5127, ext. 3500

CLARK COUNTY STUDENTS GEAR UP TO RAISE TROUT

Some local fourth, fifth and sixth grade students will soon be learning about the life cycle of rainbow trout and will be doing so right in their classrooms. This opportunity is made available through the Nevada Department of Wildlife and its “Trout in the Classroom” program, now eight years old.

Teachers who provide the Trout in the Classroom experience must first receive training and equipment from NDOW. This training is scheduled for Saturday, Jan. 10. Teachers both public and private will have the opportunity to learn about the teaching benefits of hatching and rearing trout as well as the equipment needed to do so.

Since the program’s inception, NDOW has furnished the training, the curriculum, and the equipment necessary for teachers to provide this unique opportunity for children to observe the life cycle of trout. Once the fry – juvenile trout -- are old enough, participating students release their fish into a local pond where trout are stocked by NDOW.

Currently there are approximately 50 Clark County schools participating in this program. Some schools have only a single classroom involved, while others involve the entire grade level. At J.T. McWilliams Elementary School, teacher Cathleen Mullen invites the entire school to follow along with her tank’s progress and join her class on release day.

Participating schools will receive their trout eggs in February with releases scheduled to take place during late March and early April. Space in the January training session is limited. Teachers who are interested in this program should register on the NDOW “Trout in the Classroom” website (www.ndow.org/learn.tic). For more information contact Ivy Santee at (702) 486-5127 x 3503, or isantee@ndow.org.

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.