Who can Participate?
Classroom teachers, Environmental Education Centers, and Nature Centers.
What is the cost?
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources provides:
- Aquarium supplies for Starter kits and Replacement kits. The program budget fluctuates annually and space is limited. Acceptance will be decided on a first-come-first-serve basis.
- Hatchery raised Bluegill Sunfish and fish food
- A Teachers’ manual and data sheet
- Lesson Plans and Background Information
- Reimbursement for fish release trip costs
- 50 % of the total cost of buses (maximum of 3 buses)
- 100% of the total cost for substitutes (maximum of 3 substitutes)
Program Timeline?
| Date(s) | What to do | Resources/Forms |
|---|
| January 1st | Register - both new and returning participants must register every year
| Registration Form Here
*Deadline May 15th
|
| 2nd Saturday of September | Teacher Training Workshop - required for all new participants, and every 3 years for returning participants | Equipment Responsibilities Form |
| 1st and 2nd Thursday of October | Fish Pick ups - there are only two pick up day options. You must make one of these work. You may send someone on your behalf if needed | Aquatic Studies Permit - this will be issued to you upon pick up |
| October - May | Raise fish
Conduct lessons | Teachers Manual
Lesson plans
Background information
MD Fish Facts |
Late May/Early June
No later than June 30th | Fish Releases - at an approved release site, see permit and/or contact program coordinator | Release Agenda Template |
| June 30th | Reimbursement Packages due - package must include invoice, proof of purchase and W-9 if new vendor. | ARE Vendor Invoice Template
W-9 Form
*Packages sent after June 30th with not be accepted
|
| Due July 31st | Complete two reporting forms online - simple google forms | Reporting forms
- Permit Report
- ARE Report
*Failure to report will result in unenrollment from the program
|
Training Workshop and Fish Pickup Information for School Year 2024-2025
Workshop
- Date: Saturday, September 13th
- Time: 9am - 12pm
- Location: DNR Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401
Fish Pickup(s)
- Date: Thursday, October 2nd
- Location: Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area,
5120 South Street, Halethorpe MD 21227 - Time: 9am - 12pm
- Date: Friday, October 17th
- Location: Gambrill State Park- The Rocky Run day use area,
8002 Gambrill Park Road, Frederick, MD 21702 - Time: 9am - 12pm
Contact:
Chelsea Kenworthy
Aquatic Resources Education Coordinator
Watershed and Climate Services
MD Department of Natural Resources
580 Taylor Ave., E-2 Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-8705
[email protected]
