Carlisle Students Raised Trout Thanks to DGIF eStore Grant

June 1, 2017

Students at Carlisle School received trout eggs last winter and raised them for about six months.  During that time, they researched the trout, watched various stages of the life cycle, and completed in the classroom projects related to the trout.  They participated in DRBA's Trout in the Classroom program thanks to a generous grant from the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia called the Virginia eStore Grant Program.

The trout tank was placed in the science lab for all of the students to enjoy, but 4th grade students had the pleasure of the releasing the trout in the Smith River this spring.  The 4th grade students took a special field trip to release the trout and learn about river ecology.  US Army Corps of Engineers even accompanied the Dan River Basin Association and taught the students about Philpott Lake, generation from the dam, and dynamics of the river.  The students were even able to handle some crayfish and other macroinvertebrates from the Smith River.

Carlisle School plans to participate in the Trout in the Classroom program again next school year.  The program is primarily supported through grants and donations.  To learn more about TIC, visit http://www.danriver.org/programs/environmental-education/for-educators or contact Krista Hodges at khodges@danriver.org.

This program is supported by the 2016 Virginia Wildlife eStore (www.shopDGIF.com) Grant Program through a partnership between the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Wildlife Foundation of Virginia.