Not even the rain could dampen spirits as fourth graders from Webber Elementary School said good-bye and good luck to their prized salmon on Saturday, May 9.
The students met Naturalist Jamie Rustowicz at Yates Park on the Clinton River for the release of 125 Chinook salmon.
As part of the ‘Salmon in the Classroom? initiative sponsored in part by the Michigan DNR, these students have cared for the salmon since last November when they received the eggs.
Housed at the Moose Tree Nature Preserve, the fourth grade students took turns monitoring water temperature, bacteria growth, caring for, and measuring the growth of the salmon.
About 50 students, along with their families, showed up to participate.
‘This has been a wonderful experience,? said Rustowicz. ‘Everyday these kids come to Moose Tree to care for the salmon. They have watched them hatch, fed and monitored their growth, learned about our Great Lakes ecosystem and fisheries management, but most exciting is they have been able to be a part of a natural resource conservation effort and have seen how rewarding it can be when you donate your time and energy to a conservation effort.?