from eggs to river fish

had decided they wanted to make some kind of contribution to Weatherly Area High School, from which they both graduated. P.J., who was present at the release, said he learned about the trout raising program from the PA Fish Commission. He contacted principal Anthony DeSpirito (also present for the release), who as a fisherman himself, thought it was a great idea. In November, 400 eggs were delivered to DiGennaro’s classroom. Of those, only 3 were not viable. They grew into sac fray, and only 2 of those were lost, meaning approximately 395 fish hatched. By the time they were ready for release some of those fish had begun eating smaller ones, so the eventual release probably numbered around 300 trout. Lots of students took an interest in the project, stopping by to look at the tank on a weekly or daily basis, but four students really took on the responsibilty to make sure

See TROUT, page 9

Continued from page 8 the fish thrived. They tested the water, they fed the fish, the recorded measurements, and they learned a lot.

Leeta Prater was the only senior, and the only girl in the group of four. She was the one who pointed out the largest of the trout being released, whom the students had named Jimmy. He was noticably bigger than the others, almost from the beginning of the project.

The other three students, Mason Claypoole, Angel Montalvo, and Brandon Lugo, are all juniors, and they want to participate in the project next year. It’s scheduled to continue, and Ms. DiGennaro expects to have more students taking part, based on the interest expressed this year.

She expecially liked that students who hadn’t been that involved in science before really got behind this project. They really stepped up to care for the fish.

During the release, Mason explained how they monitored the pH of the water, testing for amonia, nitrates and nitrites.

Angel, Brandon and Leeta all commented on checking the water every Friday, and occasionally having to change it.

They also were enthusiastic about the outdoor aspect of releasing the fish. Some of them hadn’t visited the river before, but they plan to go back, maybe to fish, maybe just to enjoy. And science and environmental awareness are sure to play a more prominent role in their futures. Angel is even interested in getting a reptile to raise.

It was a great day to spend time at the river, and a project that combined practical learning with hands-on exerience a win all the way around, and a possible source of some great fishing in the years to come.

White Haven gets a lift

by Seth Isenberg

The new lift for the White Haven Borough Building is being installed this week. 101 Mobility, of Morgantown, PA, has a crew here to install a two-story unit that can lift up to 750 pounds.

The Borough Building’s unit is installed in the southeast corner. It will allow handicap access to the newly expanded second floor and the offices there including that of borough manager Linda Szoke.

The work should be complete by next week. The first official ride is promised to borough council president John Klem.