The Portland Water District coordinates trout-rearing programs for more than 15 classroom hatchery tanks in more than a dozen local schools. 

Many of the schools participating in Portland Water District’s HydroLogics school-based education program have integrated our “Classroom Hatcheries” program into their curriculum.  The program, which draws upon curriculum developed by the Portland Water District, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Trout Unlimited, the Atlantic Salmon Federation, and others, engages teachers and their students in a yearlong exploration of water and watersheds through the study of a range of subjects, including:

- Henry David Thoreau

A keystone element of the program is the raising of fish fry in chilled incubator tanks in the classroom.  The program culminates with the students releasing their young charges into the river.  During the 2007-2008 school year, more than 1500 students hosted Classroom Hatcheries- in schools from Waterford, Harrison, Bridgton, Casco, Sebago, Standish, Raymond, Westbrook, Cumberland, Portland, and South Portland.  In addition to the interdisciplinary lessons, students are encouraged to develop and implement their own watershed stewardship projects aimed at helping to ensure a healthy future for their new fish friends.

The Portland Water District supports Classroom Hatcheries in several ways.  Our environmental educators lead monthly interactive lessons in participating classrooms.  We serve as liaison between the schools and the various governmental agencies that manage and regulate trout in Maine; obtaining the necessary permits, coordinating egg deliveries and the fry releases, etc.  Teachers may apply to the District for "Rainy Day MiniGrant" funds- to help defray the costs of the incubator tank, the chiller, other associated equipment, and curricular materials.  We also provide participating schools with resource materials to compliment the program and with technical assistance.

The future of the Sebago Lake watershed, and clean water for all, is in the hands of our children.  Children involved in the Classroom Hatcheries program learn the basics of water quality protection, while caring for organisms whose lives depend upon it.  They develop the habits of informed, involved citizens.  The Portland Water District invites you to follow the progress of your local Classroom Hatchery!