BRUNSWICK — Brunswick High School’s Class of 1961, which recently celebrated its 50th reunion, recently donated an underwater video camera to a local ecological education organization.

The class was inspired to make the donation by a Cathance River Education Alliance independent study conducted by Brunswick High School seniors Baxter Worthing, Sam Katz and Cece Carey-Snow. The class raised funds through a silent auction to purchase a Delta Vision Industrial camera for the organization.

The camera will allows CREA to view and record aquatic species in the Cathance River, along with nearby vernal pools, ponds and streams.

The camera’s usage is one of many field study experiences being conducted by the students.

“This independent study is a great opportunity for students to learn in a diverse environment outside the classroom where they can experience data collection in the field with professionals,” said Andrew McCullough, biology teacher at Brunswick High and one of the advisors for the independent study.

The students are also undertaking field studies in telemetry tracking of painted turtles, baiting and maintaining a remote animal camera, and grass regeneration on the Cathance River.

Students at Mt. Ararat High School in Topsham, who attended Brunswick High when the Class of 1961 was in school, will also have the chance to use the camera. Several Mt. Ararat High science classes conduct projects at the Cathance River Ecology Center and nearby preserve.

The class challenges other classes and organizations to make donations. CREA Executive Director Rick Wilson can be reached at 798-1913.