Summer 2021 WISE/BLM Hikes and Activities

Thursday, June 3, 10am Kenny Lake School Trail.  Meet at the school parking lot, mile 5 Edgerton Highway.  We will learn to identify Boreal Forest trees and check out the geology of the Tonsina Bluffs.
Thursday, June 10, 1pm  Aspen Trail, Co-op Drive, Glennallen. Glennallen.  Boreal Forest tree ID, Naturalist observation skills.
Wednesday, June 23, 10am  Liberty Falls Trail, Mile 23.5 Edgerton Highway.  We will learn about Leave No Trace, and practice some knot tying skills.
Thursday, July 1, 1pm Tonsina River Trail, Mile 12.3 Edgerton Highway.  This sweet trail is a great place to identify wildflowers, then enjoy gorgeous views from the Tonsina Bluff.
Thursday, July 8, 10am and 2pm  Tolsona Mud Volcanoes.  Leave from Tolsona Wilderness Campground, mile 173 Glenn Highway.  Investigate this unique geological phenomenon, and learn to make plaster casts of animal tracks. 
July 20-22 Geology Day Camps.  We will have small groups for a day packed with exploration and geology activities.  Sign up in advance so we can put together groups and choose convenient locations.
Tuesday, July 27, 10am  Slide Mountain Hike and Fossil Hunt.  Mile 144.9 Glenn Highway.  Be prepared to get dirty and bring a hammer to crack open rocks for this challenging but rewarding hike.
August 3-5 Aquatic Ecology Day Camps.  Spend a day exploring Aquatic Ecology including fish, macroinvertebrates, and water safety. Let us know you are interested and we’ll figure out the location.
August 10-12 Youth Environmental Summit organized by Gakona Village.  3 days of activities with the theme of “Environmental Superheroes!”
Thursday, August 19, 10am   Willow Mountain Hike, Meet at Willow Lake Pullout, Mile 88 Richardson Highway.  This is a strenuous  hike, but the view from the top and sense of accomplishment are priceless!
  • All ages are welcome, but kids under 8 need to bring along their own adult. 
  • You can meet us at the trailhead, or request a ride in the WISE van.
  •   We are limiting group size this summer, please sign up in advance by calling the WISE office at (907) 822-3575, or email contact@wise-edu.org. 
  • Suggested donation $5 per person, WISE donors hike for free.
  • More information and What to Bring lists can be found at www.wise-edu.org.
  • We are excited to be planning live programs, but also want to do our part to help keep everyone healthy and safe. We will be asking everyone to mask up when riding in the WISE van, and taking care with sanitation and distancing during hikes. 
WISE works with the US Bureau of Land Management Glennallen Field Office to  lead a series of  youth-centered hikes each summer in the Copper River Basin. Boreal forest, mountains, rivers, kettle lakes, mud volcanoes, and waterfalls provide the backdrop for engaging activities and lessons on Leave No Trace principles and environmental science. 

​These activities are geared towards youth, but all ages are welcome.  
​
For day hikes, all participants should be prepared with a day pack, sturdy hiking shoes,  raincoat, warm layers, lunch/snacks, water bottle, and any medications or first aid needs.  You may also want a camera, binoculars, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellant.  For camps, participants will be sent a “what-to-bring list,” and there will be loaner gear available.
COVID19 Risk Management for Summer Hikes
Our first priority is the safety of our staff and program participants.  Here are the procedures we will be following, and what we will be requesting of our participants. Working together, we can help keep everyone safe while learning and adventuring outdoors.
  • Masks will be required for everyone riding in the WISE van.​
  • At the beginning of each activity, we will be asking about symptoms and possible exposure to Covid19.  We request that you do not attend WISE activities if you are experiencing symptoms or may have recently been exposed to Covid19.
  • We will be avoiding close group activities and indoor spaces during our summer activities.
What to Bring for Hikes and Day Camps
  • Day Pack​​
  • Sturdy walking shoes
  • Warm Layers
  • Change of clothes for day camps
  • Raincoat and Rainpants
  • Water Bottle
  • Lunch and snacks 
  • Medications and first aid items you need
  • Sunglasses, sun hat, sunscreen
  • Insect repellant
  • Binoculars, camera