On Thursday, May 10, several students from Farmingdale and Massapequa High School released approximately 75 brook trout, the native trout species of Long Island, into Massapequa Creek as part of the Úquot;Trout in the ClassroomÚquot; program sponsored by the Long Island Chapter of Trout Unlimited.

Farmingdale and Massapequa High School science teachers Kevin Coleman and Gregory Kwas each had their students participate in the program. Students from Roseann Ruggiero's sixth grade class at Northside Elementary School in Farmingdale also participated in the program and each released two trout, a total of 46, in the creek on May 1.

Months prior to releasing the trout, students were given an aquarium tank, filtration system and aquarium chiller which was kept in their classroom. Each school was provided with approximately 200 fertilized eggs in November which hatched in late December.

Throughout the "Trout in the Classroom" program, students learned the importance of maintaining a cold, clean water habitat for the trout. They also monitored water pH and temperature and ammonia, nitrate and oxygen content.

While students were throwing the trout in the creek, the president of the Long Island Chapter of Trout Unlimited and member of Friends of Massapequa Preserve was on hand helping them gather and release the trout.

Fischer commented that when the students first arrived at the portion of the creek in which they would be releasing the trout, some of them expressed concern in regard to the condition of the creek and the water.

"I was hoping for that reaction," Fischer said, adding that it's better for students to point out the condition of the creek rather than a teacher doing so, "now that we know about it, let's do something to help it next year, and the year after that," he stressed to the students.

Fischer told the students that it's up to them to help maintain the creek and that he was happy to see that they challenged the condition of the stream and questioned whether or not the water was suitable enough for them to release their trout. "They agreed something can be done," Fischer explained, adding that next year the "Trout in the Classroom" program will be expanded to include stream restoration.

Fischer assured the students that there is plenty of insect life present in the stream for the trout and that environmental agencies would not allow trout to be released into the creek if they would have no chance of survival.

Students also pointed out that there were several trees cut down on one side of the stream, leaving the creek with no shade and greater risk of water loss. "It's up to you to help this go forward," Fischer told the students, suggesting that perhaps more trees could be planted there in the near future.

Fischer explained to the students that over the course of the next five years, much cleanup is anticipated around the creek and that each year the condition has been greatly improving. "It's great to see the kids get so involved," Fischer said, adding that he hopes the students' efforts will enhance participation of other members of the community.