Wildlife Science Visits Rapid City Fish Hatchery

The Wildlife Science class ventured to Rapid City to the Cleghorn Springs State Fish Hatchery and the South Dakota Game and Parks Outdoor Campus. The hatchery has been in operation since 1928.  Rainbow trout and Chinook salmon are the major species raised.  Students toured the facilities and observed what it takes to oversee the brood stock, eggs, fry, fingerlings, to "catchable fish" that are released into lakes and streams.   Over two hundred fifty thousand, totaling 70,000 pounds are produced annually. Water quality and facility cleanliness were extremely important.

The Outdoor campus provided education about outdoor skills, wildlife conservation and management practices.  The curriculum focus was restoring wetlands and how to care for riparian areas.  Both facilities discussed career opportunities, essential job skills and educational requirements. The trip was a culminating event for students as they completed the fish (salt and fresh water) unit.