[lin_video src=http://eplayer.clipsyndicate.com/embed/player.js?aspect_ratio=16×9&auto_next=1&auto_start=0&div_id=videoplayer-1368492093&height=360&page_count=5&pf_id=9620&show_title=1&va_id=4055608&width=640&windows=2 service=syndicaster width=640 height=360 div_id=videoplayer-1368492093 type=script]
ORCHARD, IA – It’s a hands-on experience you won’t find in the classroom, and for Charles City Middle School students, these are lessons they won’t soon forget.
Students are trading their time in the classroom for a hands-on lesson, focused on the environment.
It took weeks to prepare for the trout release, including raising the trout eggs. The Iowa DNR sponsored the program and gave students hands on time with other activities as well, including fly fishing demos.
For one instructor, he believes this will help young people understand the stake they have on the environment.
“That idea that whatever they put into a storm sewer might eventually reach something that they could potentially drink some day. The idea that we all have a bit of ownership in that as well is something that we’ve focused on,” said Ryan Rahmiller, a teacher at Charles City Middle School.
Spring Creek is designated a Coldwater stream by the DNR and projects like these help to cut nitrate and phosphorous levels in the watershed, helping trout and other fish survive.
Ryan knows just how important it can be to protect these unique bodies of water and his hope is that these students take the lessons learned at the event and try them at home.
“It ties in so many of the facets that we talk about with geography and the importance of maintaining a water shed’s health to healthy farming practices and practices even kids can do at home,” said Rahmiller.