National Outdoor Classroom

In 2007, the White Sulphur Springs National Fish Hatchery was selected by the Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to serve as a pilot location for their National Outdoor Classroom Initiative. Studies show that when children go outside and connect with nature, the incidence of health problems like ADD, ADHD and childhood obesity decline significantly. The Outdoor Classroom at the hatchery provides local school teachers and their students with a chance to get out of the classroom and connect with nature. The Amphitheater is available for use by educators and youth group leaders as an outdoor classroom; the hatchery also provides educational tours upon request, and provides a safe, park-like walking environment, away from the vehicular traffic on Route 60, for the children and families of White Sulphur Springs.