Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is an environmental education program in which students in grades K-12:
- raise trout from eggs to fry.
- monitor tank water quality.
- engage in stream habitat study.
- learn to appreciate water resources.
- begin to foster a conservation ethic.
- grow to understand ecosystems.
Most programs end the year by releasing their trout in a state-approved stream near the school or within a nearby watershed. During the year each teacher tailors the program to fit his or her curricular needs. Therefore, each program is unique. TIC has interdisciplinary applications in science, social studies, mathematics, language arts, fine arts, and physical education. For more information on possible activities and lessons, please see Trout Unlimited's TIC site. In the Sac-Sierra Chapter region, TIC is facilitated through the "Classroom Aquarium Education Program" of the California Department of Fish and Game.
Presented by the El Dorado Irrigation District and partners:
- El Dorado County
- American River Conservancy
- Sacramento Municipal Utility District
- Apple Hill Agricultural Stakeholders
- El Dorado County and Georgetown Divide Resource Conservation Districts
- Sierra Pacific Industries
- U.S. Forest Service
Area residents will have a unique opportunity this summer to experience the wonderful world of water and learn more about how our water resources connect the environment, economy, and people—from the high Sierra to the western end of El Dorado County.
The tours were developed as a component of the South Fork American River Watershed Plan—created by stakeholders and agencies throughout this watershed—as one way to offer meaningful learning experiences to local communities.
There is no charge for the tours. Each will include short walking excursions and easy hikes, so organizers ask participants to bring good-quality walking shoes, a hat, snacks and/or a sack lunch, bottled water and refills provided.
Read more: Discover your Watershed tours set for summer of 2009
The next presentation of the Fall '08 Sacramento State STEM Public Lecture Series will take place on Tuesday, November 18th at 7:00 pm in the University Union Redwood Room. The title of the talk is "Where are the fish?!" presented by Dr. Timothy Horner from the Department of Geology at Sacramento State.
Dr. Horner will address how changes which have occurred over the past 150 years on the American River have decreased salmon and steelhead populations. These declining fish populations have been linked to any number of conditions including global warming, ocean conditions, commercial or recreational fishing, delta water demands, sediment input, water diversions, water quality, dams and water releases. Dr. Horner has a few ideas of his own and will talk about possible stresses to American River fish as well as future restoration strategies.
For more information, please visit the Center for STEM Excellence website at www.csus.edu/stem. Here you will find directions and parking information on the "virtual postcard." Questions can be directed to Sharon Puricelli, STEM Center Coordinator, at
Follow the life cycle of Chinook salmon, from tiny fry in the river to shimmery adults in the ocean, and back to river for spawning before they die, returning nutrients to the land.
Because of a sharp decline in their numbers, the entire salmon fishing season in the ocean off California and Oregon was canceled in both 2008 and 2009. Quest looks at efforts to protect the coho in Northern California and explores the important role salmon play in the native ecosystem.