Trout in the Classroom April E-Newsletter
Hackimer, Mackenna
Hello TIC Teachers!
I hope everyone had a wonderful spring break and that you’re excited to release your trout soon! In the attached newsletter you will find some reminders and tips for preparing your trout for their release as well as some upcoming Professional Learning Opportunities this spring and summer!
You may have also seen in the news recently that there is going to be a heavy increase in ticks this season. While this is not cause for panic, we want to remind teachers, students, and parents to remain vigilant while out on your trout releases and upon returning from your trips. By taking some simple precautionary steps listed below, you can decrease your chances of encountering ticks.
- Wear long pants and long socks, and if possible tucking pants into socks to create an extra clothing barrier
- Stay on the trails when in wooded and/or tall grassy areas
- Use insect repellent that is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), containing ingredients such as DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Check for ticks on yourself and students when returning indoors from tick-infested areas. Your chance of getting sick from a bite is lower if you remove the tick quickly.
- Look for ticks in: All joint areas, belly button, Behind ears, Behind knees, In the hairline
For more information about ticks in NYC, you can visit https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/ticks.page.
I have attached a fun workbook you can provide to your students and parents to help prepare them for their trout release field trips. I have also included an image of ideal attire for visiting wooded and grassy areas upstate where your releases may be happening.
Let me know if you have any questions or concerns and good luck on your trout releases and the rest of the school year!
Swimmingly Yours,
Mackenna Hackimer | Trout in the Classroom Coordinator | NYC Environmental Protection
(o) 718-595-5612 | (m) 917-568-8494 | mhac...@dep.nyc.gov
