The Wrangell Ranger District and U.S. Forest Service kicked off their “Nature Detectives” program last week with a pair of youngsters joining USFS interpreters Cory Delabrue and MiKayla Stokes for a trip through the muskeg.
The day trip, which included Michaela and Samantha Moran of Mesa, Ariz., began at Volunteer Park and extended through the muskeg on the east side of Ishiyama Drive – and was intended to show the varied insects, flora and other natural wonders that abound in the marshy ground of Southeast Alaska.
Delabrue, the lead interpreter for the district, said the outings grew out of a previous USFS program meant specifically for very young children.
“This is actually the first time we’ve gone out on this new program, which was previously known as ‘Monday for Munchkins,’” Delabrue said. “That older program was aimed at a younger crowd, and we wanted more attendance, so we opened it up to any kids that want to explore.”
And exploration is the name of the game in the program.
Over the course of the next month, outings will take place at Mt. Dewey, Petroglyph Beach, Rainbow Falls, City Park and Volunteer Park to study horticulture, wildlife and a variety of other topics.
“Through July and for two weeks in August, we’ll be doing these outings and hope to get the kids to all different areas of the island,” Delabrue added.
Michaela, who is visiting Wrangell with her sister and father, Mark Moran, said, “I’m excited to be here because I love animals and nature,” she said. “I’m also hoping to see some frogs out there.”
Mark Moran echoed the sentiment of his daughter on their visit to the island.
“They love to be in nature and being in Southeast Alaska provides a very unique opportunity for them to see things they won’t see back in Arizona,” he said.
Children under seven years old need to be accompanied by an adult during the outings and are reminded to dress for the weather.
For information, contact Delabrue at 874-7563.
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