Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is a national, even global, program that allows students to raise trout fingerlings from eggs in a classroom aquarium. This hands-on learning promotes environmental stewardship and teaches students about the many facets of coldwater conservation.
In 2006, the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited secured a Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Sportfishing and Aquatic Resources Education grant to develop TIC in Pennsylvania. Since then, the program has grown exponentially across the state!
Mountain Laurel Trout Unlimited is involved because it recognizes the value of such a program. As it has been said many times, TIC is not a stocking program, but one that supports coldwater conservation. While progress in restoration has been made, much work remains and stewardship is essential. Young people need to understand the problems facing our coldwater resources in order to create solutions and continue our work. Where better to do develop this understanding than in local classrooms with children who have seen “good” and “bad” streams?
MLTU members, Melissa Reckner, Adam Cotchen and Rick Buchanan, have taken the lead coordinating TIC projects in Somerset and Cambria County schools. They work with the dedicated teachers to expand upon the daily care and maintenance, for which the students are responsible, and to delve into topics like abandoned mine drainage, watersheds, wetlands, and macroinvertebrates. MLTU members often demonstrate the fine art of fly-tying and help with the release of surviving trout.
Approximately 200-300 rainbow trout eggs are shipped to participating schools in January, and they are put in a 55-gallon aquarium, complete with a filter and chiller for these coldwater fish. They soon hatch and begin morphing into recognizable trout.
Throughout the remaining school year, students monitor the aquarium’s function and water quality, as well as the physical and behavioral characteristics of the trout. Students also feed the fish, clean the aquarium, maintain the equipment, and perform daily water changes. In the spring, surviving trout are released into a state-approved body of water. Sometimes it’s hard to say good-bye to those easily recognizable fish, like “Whopper,” “Big Mac,” and “Boomerang!”
Below is a list of TIC schools currently involved with MLTU.
Blacklick Valley Jr./Sr. High School
Blacklick Valley started a TIC project in 2015 that is overseen by MLTU Vice-President, Mr. Shane Rudnik. TIC nicely compliments their curriculum and fly-tying club! Students release their trout into Stewart Run in State Gamelands 79 and then participate in a series of Outdoor Discovery Workshops led by MLTU, Brandywine Conservancy, and its partners.
Divine Mercy Catholic Academy
The school, Johnstown Sportsmen’s Association, Conemaugh Valley Conservancy, and MLTU provided funds to implement TIC here in the 2010-2011 school year. With assistance from Ms. Marian Cyburt, Ms. Tina Tino is managing TIC at Divine Mercy Catholic Academy East for 5th and 6th graders, while Mr. John Hicks, Jr. is overseeing TIC at Divine Mercy Catholic Academy West for 6th grade learners. Students release trout into the Bens Creek near the Kids Sport soccer complex to avoid stocking in wild trout waters, and then they rotate between several outdoor workshops at the Greater Ferndale Sportsmen’s Club for a fun day of discovery.
Forest Hills Jr.-Sr. High School
MLTU member, Brian Madison, engaged his students in fly-tying for years and implemented TIC at Forest Hills Middle School during the 2008-2009 school year. The Beaverdale Sportsmen’s Club and Laurel Run Rod & Gun Club provided the matching funds for this project. The TIC project is now under the direction of Ms. Morgan Patton at the high school. Students release their trout into Laurel Run and conduct a stream study and workshops at the same time.
Richland Elementary School
Richland began its TIC project during the 2023-2024 school year under the guidance of Ms. Tricia Sorchilla, who will engage 3rd and 4th graders in the daily care and observation of their trout. At the end of the school year, trout will be released into Little Paint Creek, and then students will participate in workshops organized by the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy and MLTU.
Shade-Central City High School
Shade decided it wished to pursue TIC in Ms. Marjorie Zubek’s science classes after grant applications to the PA Council of Trout Unlimited were due; therefore, Ms. Kathy Ross, an AmeriCorps member with the Dark Shade Brownfield Project and Shade Creek Watershed Association solicited funds to implement this project in the 2008-2009 school year. The Central City and Shade Sportsmen’s Clubs, Shade Creek Watershed Association, and Shade-Central City School District provided the funds to purchase all the necessary equipment and supplies. In the spring, students release their trout into Laurel Run, adjacent the Reitz #1 AMD treatment system. They then participate in Outdoor Discovery workshops organized by Brandywine Conservancy and finish the day fishing at the Shade Sportsmen’s Club pond.
Shanksville-Stonycreek Elementary School
Started in 2018, Ms. Emilee Vinisky currently oversees TIC at Shanksville and engages 3rd and 4th grade students in TIC. With the school adjacent Rhoads Creek, a headwater stream to the Stonycreek River, it’s just a short walk from the school to the trout release site! MLTU and its partners lead workshops for students to expand upon the lessons learned throughout the year.
Past schools:
• North Star East Elementary School (2006-2014)
• Berlin-Brothersvalley High School (2007-2017)
• Conemaugh Township Area Middle School (2009-2022)
• Penn Cambria Middle School (2009-2016)
• Cambria Heights Middle School (2011-2016)
• Bishop McCort High School (2012-2020)
For more information on TIC: