Seventh grade students from Northwestern Lehigh Middle School participated in the school’s annual Trout in the Classroom release day May 8 at Ontelaunee Park.

After months of raising rainbow trout in their classroom, students released 210 trout fingerlings into Ontelaunee Creek as part of the Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program.

The project gave students the opportunity to care for the fish firsthand while learning about aquatic ecosystems, water quality, and environmental stewardship.

TIC is made possible through support from the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited (PATU), the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), and Deer Park Water, which sponsored the classroom tanks and helped fund the trip.

The Wildlands Conservancy led an in-stream macroinvertebrate study, where students searched for aquatic organisms and later analyzed their findings to evaluate stream health.

The stream received one of the highest possible biotic index scores, demonstrating excellent water quality and ecosystem health.

Students also rotated through stations focused on trout stocking practices, fishing knot-tying skills, and Pennsylvania wildlife education.

Members of the Springside Sportsmen Club discussed trout hatchery operations and conservation efforts, while Wildlands Conservancy staff introduced students to live native animals and their habitats.

Two Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission officers attended the event to answer questions about trout stocking, waterways, and conservation efforts across the state.

The day also included a barbecue lunch provided by the Northwestern Lehigh School District Food Service Department, along with time for students to explore the park, play games, and enjoy nature trails with classmates.

The Trout in the Classroom release day continues to be a long-standing tradition for Northwestern Lehigh Middle School, blending science education, community partnerships, and outdoor learning into a memorable experience for students each year.