Three Lampeter-Strasburg School District fifth-grade classes spent the day on May 17 at Millport Conservancy in Lititz learning to enjoy and respect resources. The field trip capped a year of nature and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) activities, including a collaborative trout-raising activity.
The trout release was the culmination of approximately six weeks of work. Students raised trout from eggs to fingerlings and monitored the water quality in their tanks. They also studied stream habitat, watersheds, and conservation, and they learned about ecosystems native to Pennsylvania. On release day, the trout were placed in bags to be transported to their new home.
After the trout release, students split into groups and rotated among a number of stations. At the Stream Science station, teacher Eric Balak and members of Donegal Trout Unlimited helped students sketch maps, test water quality, and record observations to determine the health of a stream. At the Cast Away station, Hans Herr Elementary principal Dr. Smecker taught students about fly fishing and provided opportunities to try casting with a hookless rod.
At the Invasive Species station, members of Donegal Trout Unlimited shared information about the problems caused by invasive plant species. Groups of students also planted native seedlings to build riparian buffers and improve stream health. Mr. Nolt's class had previously packaged and delivered 300 seedlings to fifth-graders for an Earth Day activity.
At the Gyotaku station, Hans Herr Elementary art teacher Mrs. Loar-Stauffer led a fish-themed printmaking activity using a traditional Japanese style of art. At the Food Chain station, Mrs. Nolt from Millport Conservancy taught students how various food chains in an ecosystem are connected. At the Enviroscape station, Mr. Nolt explained the impact of pollutants on the environment, animals, and humans.
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