KNOX, Pa. – On Friday, May 11, students from Keystone Jr./Sr. High School released brook trout into Canoe Creek for the conclusion of the 2017-2018 Pennsylvania Trout In the Classroom program.  

(Photos courtesy of Connor Exley)

For the second consecutive year, Clarion University of Pennsylvania, the Clarion County Conservation District, and Iron Furnace Trout Unlimited provided expertise and technical advice on physical, chemical, and biological parameters of the stream.

Dr. Andy Turner from the CUP Biology Department and Iron Furnace Trout Unlimited, along with Environmental Biology students Lisa McKenzie, Tony Kumetis, Katelynn Sallack, and Matt Siefert utilized electro-fishing to introduce the high school students to collection techniques. Devin Lineman from the CCCD was also on hand to provide technical expertise.

The students found six native species of fish, including Johnny darters, blacknose dace, red-sided dace, creek chubs, white sucker, and fantail darter. Students also found crayfish, tadpoles, and dusky salamanders. Brook trout are the native species to the Eastern United States, but no trout were found at this location during the survey.

Keystone has participated in the Trout In the Classroom program since about 2008, raising brook trout from eggs to fingerlings before releasing them into Canoe Creek.  Students learn about water quality, trout habitat requirements, life cycles, and concerns and threats to the fish.

In addition to Keystone, there are a number of local school districts who participate in the program; Clarion-Limestone, A-C Valley, Clarion Area, Brookville, Redbank Valley, and North Clarion.

More information can be found at https://patroutintheclassroom.org and https://www.troutintheclassroom.org.

After releasing the 17 brook trout, the students measured the average stream depth, velocity, width, temperature, pH, electro-conductivity, and alkalinity.

We would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. Howard Kahle for their gracious cooperation and hospitality allowing us to use their property.

“Keystone School District’s participation in the Trout In the Classroom program was made possible through a partnership between PA Fish and Boat Commission and PA Council of Trout Unlimited.”

Article contributed by Keystone Jr./Sr. high school students Gavin Cochran, Vanessa Runyan, Corbin Schiffhouer, Nathan Simmons, Riley Turtletaub, Elijah Williams, Connor Exley, Brody Coleman, and Jelly Seigworth.