POLAND, Maine — Did you know it takes a certain water temperature and pH level to raise and keep baby trout alive? Those were just a couple of the lessons fifth graders at Poland Community School received this year through the "Brookie Buddies" program.
In January, students received hundreds of brook trout eggs to keep a watchful eye on. Since then, the students have been taking turns caring for the more than 200 baby trout that have emerged in their classroom tank.
“It’s like we have a hatchery in our classroom.” said teacher Kristie Ferland.
Ferland’s mother was one of the women who dreamed up the idea for the program more than twenty years ago. She now gets to carry on the tradition and help to inspire the next generation of Maine stewards.
The experience is made possible by Poland Spring. The company donates the tank, fish, and materials needed to tend to the fish.
"I believe [the kids] create a passion for environmental sustainability in our community. They start to see the importance of our communities in our watershed and how we continue to care for them," Ferland said. "So, that it's beneficial and a positive experience for the future and whether it's for them in the future or for their kids in the future or community."