At the recent Trout in the Classroom program fish release at Ontelaunee Park, Lynn Township, Eric Andreus, natural resource manager for Deer Park/Nestlé Waters North America, said the company is really proud to be able to sponsor such a program.

"School budgets are tight and we can help bridge that gap," he said.

The company has been keeping water quality data for 16 years so the information can be compared year-to-year and trends can be seen.

Trout in the Classroom teaches school children about healthy watersheds.

Research is also done by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Trout Unlimited. Both send representatives to the schools to talk to the students.

Andreus said Nestlé provides eggs for starting fish in classroom aquariums and also the technical support.

The company paid to have the students bused to Ontelaunee Park where the fish were released in the creek.

"It's a great opportunity to teach," Andreus said.

Deer Park Natural Spring Water, produced by Nestlé Waters is committed to being a good neighbor in the communities where it has operations, he explained.

"We try to do it in many ways – monetary donations for parks and recreation facilities and by providing product donations," Andreus said.

One of the several local places receiving product donations is Northwestern Recreation's Night in the Country.

Over nine years, Nestlé Waters/Deer Park has donated $230,000 to the enhancement of Ontelaunee Park, including building the springhouse to showcase the natural springs at the park.