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Three classes of 2nd graders from Blue Ridge Elementary School, arrived at the Chattahoochee Forest National Fish Hatchery for a class field trip. The 60 students were learning about the lifecycle of fish in the classroom and came to tour the hatchery to see the lifecycle in person. Charles Hood and Joe Helseth provided an educational tour that included viewing of eyed rainbow trout eggs, fry, fingerlings and adult trout that were ready to stock. Students were educated in environmental mortality, habitat and growth of the fish, as well as the role the fish hatchery has in its sustainability of the fish population. An arts and craft section was established that allowed the students to display coloring and sidewalk chalk drawings. After lunch, the students were given additional classes on the endangered Bog Turtle and stream side invertebrates. The class trip was concluded with the students assisting hatchery staff with feeding of the fish on station. The three hour event was a success and Blue Ridge Elementary School expressed there thanks and a promise to return for another class trip next school year.
