Dedicated CFFU volunteers delivered Steelhead eggs from the Nimbus Fish Hatchery to 50 classrooms in the greater Sacramento area as part of the Fish in the Classroom (FITC) project.  

Fish in the Classroom is an excellent example of interagency cooperation where Dept. of Fish and Game (DFG) provides the eggs and assistance, local schools provide the classrooms and raising the eggs, and CFFU provides a public-private partnership that logistically and financially supports the teachers by delivering the eggs, and providing the aquariums and related equipment. The Steelhead fingerlings will be 2½ - 3½ long when released into the American or Sacramento rivers in April.

The biggest challenge facing the Fish in the Classroom program is the steep decline in salmonoids in the American River. The 2009 steelhead population improved from last year (2008), however the dramatic decline in anadromous fish have made the availability of excess eggs for our program problematic. CFFU is thankful that teachers are willing and able to adjust their class schedules depending on egg availability.

CFFU is grateful for the assistance and cooperation it receives from DFG and the 50 teachers in the thirty schools who voluntarily support this program.