Students Make A Splash: Releasing Endangered Salmon Into Kenduskeag Stream

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) - In an engaging blend of education and environmental stewardship, students from All Saints Catholic School recently had the opportunity to release nearly 200 Atlantic Salmon back into Kenduskeag Stream. This event marks not only a significant moment for the young learners but also a vital step in the conservation of an endangered species.

For months, the seventh-grade students nurtured these salmon, watching them hatch and grow while learning about the various stages of their life cycle. According to Jacob Stone, one of the participating students, the project was hands-on and informative. "The teacher, Mrs. Rehmeyer, came here every Wednesday and checked the temperature of the stream and then adjusted the temperature in the tank... We watched them grow and drew them," he explained.

The goal of the project goes beyond mere science education; it emphasizes the importance of making a positive impact on the environment. Principal Johanna Lake expressed the significance of this lesson: "We have to show that we can make a difference with it too, right? So we released... a couple hundred salmon today. Obviously not all of them are going to make it, but some will, which will be more than there were this morning." This statement encapsulates the essence of ecological responsibility that the students are absorbing.

Another student, Nolan Bolster, added, "Even with those few, they’re going to breed when they’re older and make many other fish, so even those few can save the whole population." This perspective is empowering, encouraging students to recognize that even small actions can lead to significant outcomes in conservation efforts.

Throughout their learning journey, students participated in “Fishy Fridays,” where they engaged in research and assignments to better understand the salmon and their habitat. "We had these months of learning in the classroom... but to come out and actually see the fish swim off into the river brings it all full circle for them," Lake noted, highlighting the joy of witnessing their studies translate into real-world action.

As the students observed the salmon splashing into the stream, their faces lit up with excitement and pride. Bolster remarked on the thrill of watching the fish grow and even hatching their eggs, which he described as "really fun." Stone echoed this sentiment, sharing how witnessing a fish hatch live in front of their eyes was a memorable experience.

This kind of project not only educates young minds about the delicate balance of ecosystems but also instills a sense of hope and responsibility toward the planet. As these students become more aware of their impact on the environment, they are being molded into future stewards of nature.

As we witness such inspiring projects, one has to wonder—how many more young minds can be engaged in similar initiatives to foster a deeper understanding and commitment to conservation? Let us start a conversation around this important topic. What are your thoughts? Feel free to share in the comments below!

• Atlantic Salmon
• conservation
• Environmental Education