On March 31, 2026, Carlisle Lake in Onalaska drew a crowd from across Lewis County for an event that blended education with environmental stewardship. Students from Onalaska High School’s Aquaculture Program oversaw the release of approximately 75,000 coho salmon and 20,000 steelhead into the lake, marking the culmination of months of hands-on learning. Families, educators, and community members lined the shoreline as the fish were transferred from an enclosed dock system into the lake through a large hose, forming a continuous stream into the water. The moment reflected both a milestone in fisheries education and a shared commitment to preserving local natural resources.
Hands-On Education for Onalaska High School Aquaculture Program
The Aquaculture Program at Onalaska High School, led by Heidi Smith, Associate Director of Communications and Development, and Kevin Hoffman, CTE teacher at Onalaska High School, offers students direct experience in fish rearing, water quality monitoring, and environmental responsibility. From early development stages to release day, students take part in the full process, building knowledge through application rather than abstraction.
Students describe the program as one of the most meaningful parts of their education. One student explains, “It does not feel like a typical class because you are responsible for something living. You have to make sure everything is right, and that makes it feel important in a different way.”
Another student highlights the value of proximity, stating, “Being this close to Carlisle Lake changes how you learn. You can actually see where everything is going, and it makes what we are doing feel real instead of just something from a book.”
A group of students making breakfast for everyone agreed on the community impact, saying, “This is something people here actually care about. It is not just for school. It helps the lake and the people who use it, and that makes you take it seriously.”
Onalaska: Big Fish, Small Community
The release brought together families from Onalaska, Toledo, and surrounding areas, many with long-standing connections to Carlisle Lake. The turnout reflected the lake’s role as both a recreational destination and a shared community space within Lewis County.
One parent in attendance said, “We have been coming out here for years, and it means a lot to see students involved in something like this. They are learning responsibility in a way that sticks.”
Students spoke openly about their personal ties to the lake. One shared, “I have fished here with my family since I was younger, so being part of putting fish back into the lake feels like giving something back to a place that has given us a lot.”
Another added, “My family has eaten fish from here before, so knowing we helped raise these fish makes it feel like we are part of something bigger than just a class project.”
As the release began, attention shifted to the steady movement of fish through the large hose extending from the dock into the lake. One student described the moment, saying, “Seeing that many fish going into the water all at once made everything feel real. It showed how big the project is.”
Supporting the Future of the Program
Programs like the Aquaculture Program at Onalaska High School rely not only on student dedication but also on continued community support. From maintaining equipment to sustaining fish rearing operations, these efforts are made possible through a combination of school resources, volunteer time, and local contributions.
Community members who value opportunities like this are encouraged to consider supporting the program through donations or volunteer involvement. Whether assisting with program needs, offering time, or contributing resources, community participation plays a direct role in ensuring the program continues to thrive for future students.
The success of the release reflects the combined efforts of students, volunteers, educators, and supporters who contribute behind the scenes. Their work creates meaningful educational experiences while also supporting local fisheries and outdoor recreation opportunities. The commitment shown by these individuals does not go unnoticed and continues to strengthen the connection between the school and the community.
The release at Carlisle Lake highlights how education, community involvement, and environmental stewardship can come together in a way that feels both immediate and lasting. Through the work of students and the support of families across Lewis County, the event demonstrated the value of hands-on, locally rooted learning. As thousands of fish entered the lake in a steady current, they carried forward not only the results of months of student effort but also an open invitation to the community. Carlisle Lake remains a place to gather, to fish, and to spend time outdoors with family and friends. Community members are encouraged to visit, cast a line, and experience firsthand the impact of this work, continuing a local tradition that connects people to the land, the water, and to one another.
