SCHOOLS OF SHAD

The Mattaponi and Pamunkey Rivers Association has worked with teachers in King and Queen and King William schools for several years to pilot raising shad in grow-tanks and growing underwater grasses in the classroom. (Click here to view some Hamilton-Homes Middle School students and their shad project.) 

As part of Shadfest and the national River of Words competition, we have sponsored photography, writing and art contests. Currently, we are developing Standards of Learning (SOL)-based materials, activities and field trips for teachers to use inside and outside the classroom.

MPRA received grant funds from the Chesapeake Bay Restoration fund to pilot the education program. To raise additional funds for educational outreach, MPRA has initiated the Mad about Shad public art project. Local artists will decorate shad sculptures similar to the Richmond Go Fish and Norfolk mermaid projects. The shad will be publicly displayed and auctioned at our spring Shadfest event. We’re getting schools involved in the Mad about Shad project by working with art teachers to help students create artwork to complement the public art initiative. If your school chooses to participate, MPRA volunteers are willing to help you put together a school event to showcase student work, such as an art show/science fair or PTA program.