On March 19, eighty students came to Mason Springs in Charles County for an environmental educational field day centered around the Yellow Perch Hatch, Raise and Release project in some of the local schools. The school project is led by Port Tobacco River Conservancy Board member Ken Hastings who provides classroom presentations, teacher in-service instruction and technical support. Ken collects eggs for the schools under a DNR Scientific Collection Permit issued to the PTRC and also provides CDs and DVDs as backups to the formal presentations.
 
The project is designed to develop environmental interest and stewardship centered around the life history, habitat and growth patterns of yellow perch. The associated fields of study and skill sets developed are extensive and can extend far beyond yellow perch.
 
The field day provided an opportunity for the students to learn about yellow perch in their natural environment, life in vernal pools, plankton populations and erosion. If student interest and excitement are valid measures of success, this was a unique educational experience they won't soon forget.
 
The success of this effort was guaranteed by an impressive collection of volunteers who gladly came to share their expertise and passion with future stewards of the environment.