Salmon in the Classroom Program Inspires Students Each Year

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) runs a unique and impactful program known as Salmon in the Classroom, which helps students connect directly with the state’s natural resources. This year, as in previous years, Portland Middle school 8th grade students and Westwood Elementary 5th grade students, along with their teachers Kyle Janetzke and Michael Feezey, joined together to release 200+ Chinook salmon that were raised in the classroom from eggs to smolt. 

More than 30,000 students engage in this program annually, gaining a deeper appreciation for aquatic life, environmental stewardship, and the importance of conservation. Teachers use the program to integrate science, ecology, and responsibility into their curriculum, while students develop a personal connection to the Great Lakes and the fish that inhabit them.

By combining classroom learning with real-world ecological impact, Salmon in the Classroom fosters the next generation of conservation-minded citizens and highlights the importance of preserving Michigan’s rich natural heritage.