The Maryland Sunfish and Students program is open to classroom teachers and outdoor/nature centers. The Department of Natural Resources supplies equipment, fish, food, teacher’s manual and lessons.
The teachers’ manual includes information on aquarium set-up and maintenance, as well as care and feeding of the fish. Lessons and background information are aligned with NGSS and Environmental Literacy standards. Participants will enjoy raising the Bluegill sunfish in the classroom with their students, engaging and involving them in the care and maintenance of the aquarium, and conducting fish lessons along the way.
In the spring, the fish are to be released as part of a department coordinated release event. Participants must contact their regional fisheries manager to determine an approved location for release.
Click here for a list of DNR Freshwater Fisheries Managers by Region.
Please register for the program using the registration link below. All interested participants must do this each year, both new and returning. All new participants are required to participate in one of the scheduled training workshops.
Registration for the school year 2025-2026 will open in February of 2025
Training Workshop and Fish Pickup Information for School Year 2024-2025:
Workshop
- Date: Saturday, September 28th
Time: 9am - 1pm
Location: DNR Tawes State Office Building, 580 Taylor Ave, Annapolis, MD 21401
Fish Pickup(s)
- Date: Wednesday, October 16th
Location: Gambrill State Park- The Rocky Run day use area, 8002 Gambrill Park Road, Frederick, MD 21702
Time: 3-5pm
- Date: Thursday, October 17th
Location: Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area, 5120 South Street, Halethorpe MD 21227
Time: 3-5pm
Registered participants will receive details and instructions. If you are registered and are not receiving updates or communication. Please contact, Chelsea Kenworthy at
Chelsea.Kenworthy@maryland.gov.
Contact:
Chelsea Kenworthy
Aquatic Resources Education
Chesapeake and Coastal Service
MD Department of Natural Resources
580 Taylor Ave., E-2 Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-8705
Chelsea.Kenworthy@maryland.gov
