Local students learn from "Trout in Classrooms"

Sept. 22, 2026

A student in Sarah Carson’s science class at Rosman High School grasps the science lesson shared as part of the “Trout in Classrooms” project. ***Transylvania County Schools***

Information provided by Transylvania County Schools

Students at two Transylvania County schools are getting hands-on lessons in ecology and water science this fall due to a partnership with the local chapter of Trout Unlimited.

As part of the Pisgah Trout Unlimited chapter’s “Trout in Classrooms” program, the conservation group whose work centers on restoring coldwater trout streams helps set up fish tank systems at a participating school and then supports the teacher and students as the trout eggs delivered to the school develop until the young fish are later released back into the wild.

The experience develops students’ interests in the environment and conservation issues as they learn what it takes to keep these trout alive and healthy in addition to other science, language arts, mathematics, social studies and art development skills associated with the process.

At Rosman High School, a fourth generation of rainbow trout eggs arrived last week courtesy of TU’s Pisgah chapter. Students in Sarah Carson’s science classes will care for these eggs as they grow into fingerling trout by monitoring water quality, dissolved oxygen levels, and other conditions needed to keep the fish healthy.

Once the trout are large enough, students will release them into the Rosman section of the French Broad River in April.

Fish tanks in David Levine's 8th grade classroom at Brevard Middle School. — Fish tanks and other equipment in David Levine’s seventh-grade classroom are an important part of “Trout in the Classroom” at Brevard Middle School. ***Transylvania County Schools***

Trout Unlimited also delivered eggs to David Levine’s seventh-grade science classroom at Brevard Middle School. Those students will raise their trout through the same stages before releasing them into local waters once the fish are ready this spring.

These lesson plans stem from a multi-year partnership between Transylvania County Schools and Trout Unlimited that aims to give students a closer look at the life cycle of trout while reinforcing a science curriculum tied to water quality and ecosystems.

For more information about the TU Pisgah chapter’s “Trout in the Classroom” program, visit pisgahtu.org/troutintheclassroom/.

Story updated to specify Sarah Carson’s science classes conduct the program at Rosman High School.