Fairfield, CA - Students from David Weir Preparatory Academy, Suisun Elementary School, Green Valley Middle School, and Sheldon Academy of Innovative Learning have been raising rainbow trout in their classrooms over the past few months, culminating in a memorable field trip to Lake Chabot to release the young fish into their natural habitat. The program, designed to teach environmental stewardship and foster a deeper understanding of the impact humans have on the environment, was supported by Friends of Lake Chabot, the California Department of Fish & Wildlife, Silverado Hatchery, and Greater Vallejo Recreation District.
The project began on February 29th when students received tiny orange trout eggs in their classroom tanks. Over the following days, the eggs hatched into alevin, prompting students to monitor water temperature and ensure the tiny fish had proper conditions to thrive. The classroom experience allowed students to develop a sense of responsibility and empathy as they cared for their growing trout.
On April 11th and 12th, students from various grades, including TK, Kindergarten, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, and 7th grades, ventured to Lake Chabot to release their trout into the wild. The field trip not only provided a unique opportunity to observe the life cycle of trout but also encouraged students to be good stewards of their environment by cleaning up the surrounding park. During the outing, students held crayfish, observed tadpoles, and touched mussels, enriching their understanding of the local ecosystem.
Katey Bailey, a parent volunteer who participated in the trout release, shared her excitement about the program, stating, "I loved witnessing the students caring for and raising trout in their classroom. I think this taught them responsibility while also teaching them how to respect the environment. The field trip was a great way to teach the students how nature and the wildlife around us affect our ecosystem and way of life. It was such a fun experience, and I loved being part of the trout release!"
By raising rainbow trout in their classrooms and then releasing them into the wild, the participating students have gained a hands-on understanding of the environment and the role they can play in preserving it for future generations.