Hydroponics from March 2014

The Trout in the Classroom project continued on into the spring preparing for the big release in a few weeks.  Due to the incredibly cold weather, staff are monitoring the change of seasons to make the transition from tank to stream as smooth as possible.  Meanwhile, students were able to make a visit to the Tom Ridge Environmental Center and explore more possibilities for their tank and other creatures (see previous post).  With new thoughts in mind, an experiment with hydroponics was begun in the classroom.

Fingerlings and hydroponics from beneath the surface.

Along with partnering with the Erie County Conservation District for the Trout in the Classroom project, the students are also working with Environment Erie to begin and sustain their hydroponics endeavors.

Environment Erie was able to provide assistance with equipment and startup advice for hydroponics - lettuce!

Also, note the details and maturity the fingerlings are achieving!

**Added note - Fingerlings were released in May due to the very cool spring temperatures.  The release was also accompanied by a water quality study to ensure the young fish were entering livable waters.  Over 100 trout were released that day - an outstanding number!  Remember the 10-20% mortality rate of 244 eggs?  Approximately 36 eggs were predicted to survive and be released and the students were able to stock the stream with over 100!  As of September 2014, the staff and students are preparing for the new year of studies and eggs arriving in November!