NORWICH – With trout season less than a month away, the Chenango Valley chapter of Trout Unlimited is hoping to find schools interested in its “Trout in the Classroom” program for the 2011-2012 school year.

The environmental education program provides students an opportunity to engage in stream habitat studies, learn to appreciate the county’s water sources, build a conservation ethic and grow to understand local ecosystems – all while raising trout right in the classroom – said local Trout Unlimited President Gary Sweet.

According to Sweet, however, there is much more to the program than just raising the fish and learning about water quality.

“It’s all-encompassing,” said Sweet. “It includes math and science skills, graphing and keeping daily journal entries, all depending on the children’s level of education.”

In other words, said Sweet, teachers can design the program to suit their individual classrooms needs.