Fourth graders at Cedar Bluff Elementary School will soon have the chance to learn firsthand what it takes to raise trout thanks to a donation to the East River Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited from CONSOL Energy and CNX Gas.

The combined $1,000 donation will allow for the purchase of a tank and other needed equipment this summer which will pave the way for the classroom project set-up in time for the start of the 2008-09 school year. Through the project, students involved will learn about trout by being responsible for raising them from eggs to fingerlings.

Students involved in the project will maintain the water quality of the tank, clean it, sample water, monitor temperature and make necessary adjustments during the life cycle of the fish. They will also engage in stream habitat study and at the end of the project, will release the fish they have nurtured into a state-approved trout stream in the region.

Members of the East River Mountain Chapter of Trout Unlimited, along with employees of the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, will visit the classroom from time to time to talk with students about the project and to answer any questions students may have.

CNX Gas Measurement Technician James Brown, and CONSOL Energy Buchanan Mine Superintendent Tim Underwood, present donations totaling $1,000 for a trout in the classroom project at Cedar Bluff Elementary School. On hand for the presentation were,  Brown; Cedar Bluff Elementary Principal Craig Barber; CBES Fourth Grade Teacher Barbara Lester, whose classroom will host the project next fall; Trout Unlimited  President Chris Mullens; and Underwood.