caption: Students on the Detroit River
Under the warm morning sun, the lively waters of the Detroit River welcomed 10 eager students from the Academy of the Americas (Spanish: Academia de las Américas). These students, diligently tending to their salmon in the classroom, were ready to release them into their natural habitat. Equipped with water safety and kayak training, the students took charge of the release while their instructors stood by, ready to assist.
At the heart of this transformative educational experience is a powerful alliance. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources Salmon in the Classroom program helps hundreds of 3rd through 12th-grade classrooms across the state to raise, learn from, and release young salmon in approved waterways. The Michigan Wildlife Council, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Real Times Media have joined forces. Together, they empower an English Language Arts teacher based in Detroit to play a pivotal role in this groundbreaking initiative.
Natalie Elkins, DNR Education Specialist, says the Salmon in the Classroom program started in 1998 with one teacher involved. A few fish biologists then began it. The program caught on, and the education program took over with over 30,000 students who had gone through the experience to date.
“For the 2023-2024 school year, we had 298 classrooms participating. We add about 30 per year and have been pushing into new areas of the state by expanding where we offer workshops, egg pickups, and more DNR support. We are constantly adding new activities, resources, and materials to help the teachers in the classroom,” Elkins said.
Monica DeGarmo, an English Language Arts High School Teacher, has taught for three years at the Academy of the Americas but has been involved in education for over 9 years.
“This was my first year doing the Michigan salmon in the classroom programs. We have a growing population of native Spanish speakers. And so we are fortunate to be in a school where we’re encouraged to connect creatively with students. And making them feel welcome and figuring out what knowledge they are already bringing into the classroom,” DeGarmo said.
As the students glided out of the dock, their colorful kayaks cut through the canal’s calm waters; they swiftly paddled towards and soon entered the Detroit River, carrying their bags of salmon carefully safeguarded for release into the safe zone. The students excitedly started carefully releasing their salmon one by one.
“I was a little nervous; this is my first time, and many of the students’ first time on the river, as many are first-generation immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries, so their families don’t have this kind of access to educational resources,” Academy of the Americas staff member said.” But the students had a blast this morning and saw another part of Detroit they don’t usually get to see. For them to see what Detroit is like versus the stereotypes, it was great to see that the city is beautiful.”
Seven years ago, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) hired Tracy Paige, a highly qualified professional with a master’s degree in marine biology. Tracy’s expertise and passion led her to revamp the curriculum, enhance the website, and actively recruit new teachers, significantly elevating the educational program. The hunting and fishing industry creates a significant number of jobs in Michigan.
“The cultural and economic resource base of this is fishing in Michigan, a historical tradition. This gives the kids who don’t even want to fish the chance to see how cool and majestic the fish is and learn about the impact of the ecosystem’s clean waters, the difference between a cool-water fish and a warm-water fish, and why that matters. This indexes climate change because if the temperatures rise, these fish will struggle. So it’s teaching them the learning standards,” Elkins said.
It takes a village — everyone plays a part. Conservationists, biologists, enthusiasts, hunters, anglers, and parents play a crucial role in supporting teachers by assisting with classroom activities, such as maintaining the tank and participating in release day events. Additionally, community groups contribute to the learning experience by sponsoring tanks, supplying equipment, and sharing their expertise during classroom sessions and release days.
Hunting and fishing are an essential part of Michigan’s natural heritage. Hunters and anglers are often at the forefront of conservation ethics by embracing responsible practices, respecting wildlife, and contributing to habitat restoration and protection efforts. These groups also aid students in learning various skills, including casting, fishing, identifying invasive species, studying macroinvertebrates, and understanding ecological concepts through volunteer efforts.
“This day is the release date. So, between the middle of April and the first week in May, students take the salmon they grew in their classroom and release them in their local river. The cool part about today is that they came to this local Detroit River Sports and got the kayaking experience. They get to see their local river, and most students do it for the first time. As the program builds, the students are doing cooler stuff on release day,” Elkins said.
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