L-R: Jon Hart, President, Pike/Wayne Chapter of Trout Unlimited, Ron Ezzo, Wallenpaupack 8th grade teacher, and Scott Savini, Pike County Conservation District Chairman

BLOOMING GROVE - The Pike County Conservation District (PCCD) and the Pike/Wayne Chapter of Trout Unlimited have each awarded $500 to the Wallenpaupack Area Middle School for the “Trout in the Classroom” program. This program will provide an environmental education activity in which students will raise trout from eggs, monitor tank water quality, engage in stream habitat studies, learn to appreciate water resources, begin to foster a conservation ethic, and grow to understand ecosystems. Through the leadership of teacher Ron Ezzo, eighth grade math and science classes will raise and reintroduce trout to the streams of the Commonwealth with assistance from PCCD, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Pike/Wayne Chapter of Trout Unlimited. 

Since 2005 the PCCD Board of Directors has made available $500 through a PCCD Environmental Education Project Grant to a Pike County teacher/classroom or youth organization to fund a project that compliments the mission of the District. This has been a successful program with over 150 students and teachers participating from all three School Districts in Pike County.

In 2005 the East Stroudsburg Lehman Science Club used the funds for “The Overuse of Plastic Bags” project that involved over 30 students who developed a website, banners, and a static display to promote recycling plastic bags to the entire student body.     

In 2007 the Wallenpaupack Area Middle School did a habitat rehabilitation project for 8th grade math and science classes that involved 75 students.  The students tested the soils and purchased then planted 250 blue spruces on the school property.

In 2007 Delaware Valley High School’s Life Skills class planted a native plant garden at the entrance of the high school building. This project enlisted the help of the local Penn State Master Gardeners as well.

For more information on the PCCD Environmental Education Project Grant as well as District programs and services please call 570-226-8220 or visit www.pikeconservation.org.