Odell Librarian, Connie Boonstra is happy to put a Let's Go Outside Backpack in the library for checking out. Park Ranger, Pam Steinhaus delivered one recently to the library.

Second graders at W-K Elementary in Winona, MN can't wait to check out the backpacks through the school library.

Trying out the backpacks.

Let’s Go Outside Backpacks!

Going outside is getting a little easier along the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge with the Let’s Go Outside Backpacks.  Lansing Librarian Derva Burke and Refuge Operations Specialist Tim Loose have partnered to provide backpacks at the Lansing, Iowa library.  Loose commented, “Once we have our virtual geocache routes set up we hope to include a GPS unit and digital camera in each pack, as well as instructions on how to get started.   Ok, the next step is yours. Get down to the Library and get your family outside.”

Pam Steinhaus, Park Ranger at Savanna District has been delivering backpacks to area libraries too.   At the Odell Library in Morrison, Illinois, Connie Boonstra commented, "We are really excited about this backpack because we were looking at kits to get kids outside and this is a great tool that will help us do that."  Pam said, the Clinton librarian, a cyclist, uses the refuge bike trail and she thinks the backpack is a wonderful way to get kids outside.   She commented, "I'm happy to be a partner in the Let's go Outside! backpack project."

Winona District also partnered with one of the local elementary schools.  Luke Merchlewitz, second grade teacher for Washington-Kosciosko Elementary school was so excited to receive 25 backpacks that his second grade class could check out and go outside!  He commented, “This is perfect because we are reading Henry and Mudge and the Starry Night by Cynthia Rylant and these backpacks will help my second graders get outside.” 

Winona District also formed  a partnership with Winona Health and the Healthy Kids Club.  Jennifer Olson, Public Relations specialist for Healthy Kids Club and Winona Health commented, “We are so grateful for the Let’s Go Outside! Backpacks.   We will be sending out a news release soon letting the public know these are available through Winona Heath/HKC. I also put an announcement on our Intranet site and someone just picked one up so I have no doubt they’ll be all checked-out before the holiday.  Thanks again for your generous donation of these – they are very cool!”  The following is an excerpt from the Winona Health web site www.winonahealth.org/HKC/:

 "Let's Go Outside" Backpacks

The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Refuge generously donated 15 "Let's Go Outside" backpacks to Healthy Kids Club - Winona Health. These backpacks are to encourage kids to explore the outdoors and get active. Each backpack contains the following: thermometer clip, cloud watching weather window, bug finder, “Nature in a Nutshell” book, binoculars and more. Below are the details on how you can check-out a backpack for your child:

•Backpacks can be checked out at no charge for two weeks at a time through Winona Health’s Community Relations department, 507.457.4161.

•Children using backpacks must be in the 6-11 age range.

•Two backpacks may be checked out per family.

Please note that all items must be returned with the backpacks. Please keep all items clean and in working condition so other children can use them. Thank you!