Student on Track Cloth. FWS Photo

Student at activity table. FWS photo.

Warming up to Winter was the theme of the Kenai Refuge kindergarten through sixth grade Homeschool program held January 21-23, 2009 in Soldotna, Alaska. The Refuge's Environmental Education Center was set up as a drop-in "Discovery Room" and over the course of an hour students explored with their parents, completing an age appropriate workbook. From snowflakes to glaciers, birds and trees in winter, animal survival strategies, to finding animals in winter the students participated in activities, science experiments, and even made a tree-like snack with pretzels, raisins, and mini marshmallows while learning about lateral and terminal tree buds. Learning to walk like a moose and hop like a snowshoe hare on track cloths while learning about track patterns was also a highlight. A quarter mile snowshoeing walk was an added component to those interested. Although the trail was icy, the weather was beautiful and the students even found some of the tracks they had learned about. Questions about this program can be directed to the Refuge's education specialist michelle_ostrowski@fws.gov.