Malone, NY — On a sunny April morning, seniors from the Building Trades program at FEH BOCES rolled up their sleeves to make a meaningful contribution to the local environment and community. Partnering with the Malone Fish and Game Club, the students helped stock the Salmon River with trout—an annual tradition that supports recreational fishing and healthy ecosystems in the North Country.
The trout were supplied by the Chateaugay Fish Hatchery, a long-standing contributor to New York’s fish stocking efforts. Club member Bob Hudak had been looking for assistance with the labor-intensive process of releasing the fish, and when he mentioned it to fellow club member and Building Trades instructor Eric Ashlaw, the solution was simple: bring the students along.
“This was a perfect opportunity for our students to not only give back to the community but also to experience real-world teamwork outside the classroom,” said Ashlaw. “They didn’t hesitate. They were excited to help.”
Armed with buckets of lively trout, the students carefully carried the fish from the transport truck to the edge of the river at Anglers Park. There, following instructions to toss the fish into the water—an important step to keep the buckets sanitary—they released the trout into the flowing river, ensuring the fish had the best chance to adapt to their new environment.
Members of the Malone Fish and Game Club were also on hand to lend their support and share in the experience. Additionally, representatives from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), including Environmental Conservation Officers Colton Garrand and Jennifer Okonuk, supported the effort and spoke with students about the importance of conservation and environmental stewardship.
For many of the students, the experience went beyond a simple volunteer opportunity—it was a chance to connect with nature, work side-by-side with local leaders, and take pride in the place they call home. In the process, they saw firsthand how small efforts can make a big impact and how lending a hand can strengthen the bonds of community.
This project is just one of many ways the Building Trades program seeks to teach not only technical skills, but also the values of civic responsibility, environmental care, and lifelong learning.