A Bald eagle,swan,woodpecker and some ducks were the wildlife "treats" students saw on Hidden Lake. KL Odle-Moore 06/05/06 Tetlin Refuge

A group of nine “young botanists”, ages nine through twelve, recently spent the day exploring plants and animals of the boreal forest along Tetlin Refuge’s newly renovated Hidden Lake Trail. Several skilled students recalled both common and scientific plant names learned from their fourth grade school unit this spring. Distinguishing between related plant species was a main goal of the guided walk. A few special moments the group enjoyed were feeling frigid soils below the ground, seeing a playful weasel scampering up and under the boardwalk, and watching a bald eagle fly to several lakeside perches. In recognition of National Trails Day, the group talked about why people use trails, how different uses can or can’t work together, and the wonderful volunteers who helped with the trail renovations.

The Young Botanist Group originated from a presentation the 2005 Refuge Summer Teen Botany Program gave to the Tok fourth grade. The fourth graders expressed a lot of interest in having a "junior" program this summer. The Young Botanist Group is planning two more hikes this summer and will be investigating different plant habitats as well as comparing the changes in a primary lot over the summer. So stay tuned for more adventures from the Young Botanists Group!