OFAH Insider: Cultivating conservationists

The crunch of leaves and the crisp snap of a fishing line going taut is a quintessential Ontario fall outdoor experience. As stewards of this rich heritage, anglers and hunters must also look to the future, to ensure the next generation understands and cherishes the natural world. That’s precisely what OFAH Foundation’s Bring Back The Salmon (BBTS) classroom hatchery program is all about.

Imagine a classroom of students exhilarated by a fish tank teeming with tiny Atlantic salmon fry. This isn’t just a science lesson; it’s a living, breathing experience where students can be active participants in the incredible journey of these iconic fish. The BBTS program brings the lifecycle of Atlantic salmon directly into schools, allowing students to raise fry from eggs before releasing them into local streams.

Nurturing tomorrow’s conservationists

The impact of the program is profound, with some impressive achievements in 2025, including:

• 3,500+ students enthusiastically raised and released Atlantic salmon fry
• 7,400+ Atlantic salmon fry were released into Ontario’s waterways by students
• 83 Hatchery units are actively in use across various educational settings

“Seeing the wonder in a child’s eyes as they release the salmon they’ve nurtured is truly special,” says Ben Teskey, coordinator of the Bring Back The Salmon program. “This program is emblematic of the OFAH Foundation’s commitment to hands-on learning, showing kids the real-world impact of conservation.”

These young conservationists gain invaluable knowledge about ecosystems, fostering a life-long appreciation for Ontario’s natural resources.

Empowering more classrooms

More than 80 schools are on the waiting list for this impactful Foundation program. Each complete classroom hatchery unit costs approximately $1,500 to set up. A monthly donation of just $95 contributes to the staff support for teachers to run a classroom hatchery program.

“It’s the conservation mindset of Ontario’s anglers and hunters that makes programs like this possible,” says Matt DeMille, executive director of both OFAH Foundation and OFAH Membership. “Our members are our best donors and volunteers with the Foundation because they are committed to protecting our wildlife heritage for generations to come.”

Looking ahead: Our ecological wealth

As the chilly days of fall continue, we look ahead with hope for the Bring Back The Salmon program, imagining an even greater reach with more hatchery kits finding their way into classrooms. Building new generations of stewards for Ontario’s incredible natural landscapes and wildlife requires all of us to play our part.

Discover more about the OFAH Foundation’s impact and donate: www.ofahfoundation.org

Originally published in the Fall 2025 issue of Ontario Out Of Doors

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