Elementary Students Release Classroom-Grown Trout at Shadow Cliffs

Students from Lydiksen, Walnut Grove and Alisal Elementary schools in Pleasanton stood on the shores of the Shadow Cliffs Regional Park Recreation area early on Saturday morning, eagerly waiting to release the fish they raised from eggs in their classrooms.

Kim Herald, a fifth grade teacher from Lydiksen Elementary, says that in order for teachers to be able to do this project, they need to take a six-hour course and have a permit for raising the fish from eggs.

"We are teaching about not only the fish and eggs hatching but also how to take care of the environment as well," Herald said.

Herald added that the teachers work with the Tri-Valley Fisherman, a group that enjoys the sport of fly fishing, along with the California Department of Fish and Game.

With the help of Herald, and fellow teacher, Jacob Berg, the Lydiksen students cautiously waded out into the lake, holding the clear cups containing a fry (baby fish) in water and released the 31 tiny trout.

After being raised for a month, they went into the lake to start their new lives.