Pittsford National Fish Hatchery in Vermont has been involved in several outreach activities this past spring and summer:

As part of the Adopt-a-Salmon Watershed Curriculum, hatchery staff became involved with two local schools. The Chittendon's Barstow Elementary School fifth grade class studied the landlocked Atlantic salmon population and received salmon eggs for incubating in their chilled water aquarium. The class proceeded to release 313 fry (hatched baby salmon) on June 8, 2006 into Sucker brook, a tributary running into Lake Dumnore.

Pittsford's Lothrop Elementary School sixth grade class toured the hatchery and viewed a salmon spawning demonstration given by hatchery staff. In addition, the class received salmon eggs for incubation. The class released 580 fry on June12, 2006 into Brandon brook, a tributary of the Connecticut River. This particular project will aid in the restoration efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Connecticut River Program. Fishery biologist Douglas Lawson assisted with all salmon releases and talked with both school groups. In the past the hatchery has worked with other schools in the state and has worked with these particular schools for the past eleven years.

On May 17, 2006 Douglas Lawson participated in the 20th Annual Conservation Field Day by dissecting Atlantic salmon for a fifth grade workshop. During the hands-on project students learned about the Service's fishery and hatchery programs. Two hundred seventeen students and 28 adults asked many questions and enjoyed the fun learning atmosphere. Many people still do not know about the Service mission and programs. This workshop and field day proved to be very beneficial for outreach and public awareness.

For the past three years the hatchery has been involved with supplying salmon to feed  young bald eagles that are placed in hacking boxes at the Dead Creek Wildlife Management, as part of the Vermont Bald Eagle Restoration Initiative.  http://www.cvps.com/eagles/index.shtml 

Hatchery staff also visited a local sportsman's show. The show is a great opportunity to tell the public about our programs and answer their questions.  Vendors at the show always want to learn more about the Service and the hatchery when we visit their booths.  www.yankeeclassic.net

This year the hatchery provided salmon for the Pittsford Recreation Department's fishing derby and the Chittenden 25^th Annual Seniors/Handicapped fishing derby.