Refuge Notebook

Article

September 18, 2009

Fall Fun Day Events at Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
By Candace Ward

Fall is such a wonderful time to be outdoors - whether you go birding, berry picking, hiking or fishing, each day is a feast for the eyes as the landscape changes dramatically.
You can enjoy this season even more by coming out for the Refuge’s annual Fall Fun Day. The event takes place on Saturday, September 26, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Refuge Visitor Center and Environmental Education (EE) Center on Ski Hill Road in Soldotna.
The schedule of events includes:

10 AM - 12:30 PM: Head to the Environmental Education Center for fun kids’ activities that will focus on understanding the ecology of bears. There will be a creative, take-home craft project for each child. Sign up for bear related door prizes donated by Alaska Geographic. .

10 AM - 12:30 PM: Visit the historic Andrew Berg Cabin hosted by volunteer Bud Crawford, who helped renovate the cabin in 2000, and has crafted many historically accurate items for the cabin. Complimentary hot chili and cider will also be provided at the cabin.

12 - 12:30 PM: “Hiking Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula” Slide Show – Join photographer Taz Tally as he shares his experiences hiking and photographing the Kenai Peninsula’s scenic trails. After the program, Taz will have his book, 50 Hikes in Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula, available for sale and signing.

1 PM - 2 PM: “Bear Wrangler” Slide Show – Join retired Kenai NWR Manager and wildlife biologist, Will Troyer, as he presents a slide show sharing his life experiences researching bears and other wildlife in Alaska’s national wildlife refuges and parks. His new book, Bear Wrangler, will be available for purchase and for him to sign after his program.

2, 3 & 4 PM: The Visitor Center will feature the hour-long movie Alaska’s Grizzlies highlighting the premier bear viewing areas of Alaska.

The following outdoor hikes are also offered. Please call 262-7021 to pre-register as space is limited.

10 AM: Centennial Trail Hike – 2.2 miles for ages 16 and older; 1hr. & 45 min. time frame - Hike with geologist/photographer Taz Tally as he shares the geology and ecology of the Kenai lowlands. He will also give tips for photographing wildlife and landscapes.

11 AM & 1PM: Keen Eye Nature Trail Walk –1/4 mile walk for all ages; 45 min. time frame – Go exploring with education staff to discover through a variety of activities how fall changes affect wildlife and people signaling us to get ready for winter.

So, please get out and enjoy autumn’s delights at the Kenai NWR Fall Fun Day!

Candace Ward is a park ranger, who leads the Refuge’s information and education programs. For more information about Fall Fun Day, contact Kenai National Wildlife Refuge at 262-7021. You can check on new bird arrivals or report your bird sighting on the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Birding Hotline (907) 262-2300.