One of the objectives of the hatchery from the onset has been to provide educational opportunities for students to learn about fish culture and sustainable fisheries management. This continues to be a priority for the hatchery, as we provide numerous opportunities for youth to be involved in hands-on fish rearing activities.
Students from the 2 outdoors courses at North Hastings High School (NOS and NERDS) attend the hatchery on a weekly basis to assist with fish rearing and inventory tasks. They also conduct fin clipping prior to stocking, and assist with releasing the fish into local lakes. An added bonus for the students is they also learn to tie flies and receive a fly fishing demonstration from our resident experts!
Students at 2 local elementary schools are also learning about fish production on a smaller scale in their own classrooms. Thanks to donations of tanks and equipment from the North Hastings Wildlife Association, classes at Coe Hill Public School and York River Public School are raising lake trout for stocking back into local lakes as fall fingerlings. Special thanks to these partners for participating in this ‘classroom hatchery’ program!
Kids are always welcome at the hatchery! Just contact us to book a private tour for a family or youth group – we know the kids will love it!