NORWICH – With trout season less than a month away, the Chenango Valley chapter of Trout Unlimited is hoping to find schools interested in its “Trout in the Classroom” program for the 2011-2012 school year.

The environmental education program provides students an opportunity to engage in stream habitat studies, learn to appreciate the county’s water sources, build a conservation ethic and grow to understand local ecosystems – all while raising trout right in the classroom – said local Trout Unlimited President Gary Sweet.

According to Sweet, however, there is much more to the program than just raising the fish and learning about water quality.

“It’s all-encompassing,” said Sweet. “It includes math and science skills, graphing and keeping daily journal entries, all depending on the children’s level of education.”