Errol students releasing EBT at the Androscoggin River as part of the Trout in the Classroom Program. (Photo Courtesy Errol Consolidated via SAU 20) 
Errol Consolidated students stand with Berlin Fish Hatchery Biologist Dalton Courtemarche, who brought Eastern Brook Trout eggs as part of the Trout in the Classroom Program. (Photo Courtesy Errol Consolidated via SAU 20) 
Principal Fluette tracking the Androscoggin River 178 mile Step Challenge. Daily tracking included stops at towns and cities along the river route. (Photo Courtesy Errol Consolidated via SAU 20) 
Grade 1 student, Logan Ferguson labels and colors a trout as part of the Errol Consolidated Trout in the Classroom Program. (Photo Courtesy Errol Consolidated via SAU 20) 
Berlin Fish Hatchery Biologist Dalton Courtemarche, holding up 400 Eastern Brook Trout eggs to Errol Consolidates students. Students then helped raise the trout as part of the Trout in the Classroom Program. (Photo Courtesy Errol Consolidated via SAU 20)
ERROL — Superintendent David Backler and Principal Mary Fluette are pleased to share that Errol Consolidated School students recently released Eastern Brook Trout as part of the Trout in the Classroom program.
Through its partnership with New Hampshire Trout in the Classroom, students raised trout from eggs and released them into the Androscoggin River, a state-approved site.
New Hampshire Watershed Specialist Kayla Croteau led training and the release.
Students began the program in November 2023, where they learned about where the fish would be released after they were fully grown. Students received more than 400 trout eggs after winter break from Berlin Fish Hatchery Biologist Dalton Courtemarche, who explained the tracking process for the eggs.
Students learned about the stages of development, ecosystems, watersheds, how to track the growth of EBT, and how to monitor the tank.
Students also monitored and tested the temperature and pH levels of their tank and release site, to ensure an optimal environment for their raised fish. After five months of select group work, monitoring, tracking, journaling, and caring for the Eastern Brook Trout, trout were released into the Androscoggin River on May 24.
Students also completed a related step challenge, counting the steps they took during school hours with the goal of completing 178 miles, which is the length of the Androscoggin River from Umbagog Lake in Errol to Merrymeeting Bay in Maine.
Errol Consolidated was able to access additional educational and STEM resources for the program through the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Mountain Classroom, which provided level watersheds and habitat lessons, and retired Colebrook Principal and EBT specialist Mary Jolles, who visited the school and shared her vast expertise.
Superintendent Backler assisted by collecting water samples from the Androscoggin River from different points in Gorham, Berlin, and Milan, that were then tested by students.
“This program is a wonderful way for students to get hands-on experience with wildlife, learn about local trout, and watch the lifecycle of a fish,” said Principal Fluette. “We are extremely fortunate to be able to offer this program to our students. I would like to thank Appalachian Mountain Club, New Hampshire Watershed Specialist Kayla Croteau, Berlin Fish Hatchery Biologist Dalton Courtemarche, Superintendent Backler, and Mary Jolles for their knowledge and assistance in making this program a success. It was great to watch students become engaged while they learned about the local trout and were able to watch them grow from eggs and release them back into the wild to cap off an amazing year together.”
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