LUDLOW — More than 100 students from Kane, Smethport and Sheffield schools attended the Regional Trout Release at Wildcat Park.

The event was coordinated by the McKean County Conservation District. Brook trout, raised in the students’ classrooms, were released in the stream. Through the Trout in the Classroom program, students raised these trout from eggs beginning in November.

Students participated in a series of stations — “Aquatic Invasion,” “Watershed Walk,” “Bugs of the Underworld,” “Searching for Sasquatch,” “Recycling Relay” and “Cast Away.” The stations taught students of watershed and stream health; aquatic life; nature observation and signs of wildlife; aquatic invasive species, recycling information; and an introduction to fly fishing.

Kane High School students planted live stakes of native shrubs on the stream bank, as well as additional trees and shrubs in the riparian area.

Stations were led by staff from the McKean and Warren County conservation districts, Penn State Extension and the Cornplanter Trout Unlimited chapter.

Wildcat Park, which hosts the annual program, is the site of stream improvement projects by the McKean County Conservation District to improve habitat for native trout and other aquatic species.

The statewide Trout In the Classroom program is organized through a partnership between the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the state Council of Trout Unlimited. This partnership, coupled with assistance from local conservation organizations was created to introduce Pennsylvania students to coldwater resources and their importance to all communities.

The partnership also provides brook trout eggs, trout food, technical assistance, curriculum connections and teacher workshops each year.

The event was the final activity of the Trout in the Classroom project for the students.