As Described in Princess Tours Package
A 5 hour summer guided program through the scenic Copper River Valley. Walk through an undisturbed portion of the boreal forest. Experience the land much as it has been for 10,000 years. Visit our Website at www.copperrivertours.org
HC 60 Box 336E Copper Center, Alaska 99573 Phone: 907-822-3575 or 907-259-3575 (cell) or 907-822-3282 contact us
Wrangell Institute For Science and Environment
Enlightened Citizens Make Wise Decisions
Presidents Message
By Janelle Eklund
This September I had the pleasure of teaching the web of life to second and third graders at our Changing Seasons program hadn't done it for a few years and had forgotten how inspiring it is to see the students interact as their web of life knowledge expanded. Teachers and chaperones also participated in the game. Each person wore a picture of what they represented - a bug, bird, animal, plant, soil, water, air, sun. Each took turns identifying what they needed to survive. A ball of yarn was unwound and passed to make the connection and form a web. After each person had their turn, an intricate web had been created. It became apparent that everything on earth depends on everything else to survive and be healthy. The role of humans was also discussed as being part of the web. Each connection is a vein that gives life blood to the whole unit. It pulsates and keeps the heart of the earth beating healthy.
This activity got me to thinking that WISE also has an intricate web of life. Many connections keep it healthy, strong, and growing. The life blood of WISE is it's students, partners, members, donors, grantors, and fee based programs. We feel very fortunate this year to have strengthened our partnerships with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve (WRST). The "Take it Outside" initiative through BLM, has given WISE funding and staff to help administer the aquatic summer camp, the Copper River Stewardship program; Earth Discovery Day, Changing Seasons, and summer hiking adventures. This funding will help sustain these programs for five years. A partnership funding with WRST has also helped to sustain these programs along with the Nabesna Day Camp. All Support from members, donors, revenue sharing, corporate dollars and other partners also play an important role in the sustainability of WISE programs. We are grateful for your generous giving throughout the years. Your investments have grown WISE a healthy heart.
Another vein that will give WISE nourishment over the next three years is a generous
grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust which will bring on our Executive Director,
Bruce James, and a summer naturalist, on full time. In order to receive the funds
for the second and third year of the grant we will need to match their giving. So
we will be throwing the ball of yarn to our partners, members, donors; and expand
our fee based tour program.
All of these connections are the life blood of WISE. Those connected at the giving end benefit through their participation and/or knowledge that you help instill a stewardship ethic for a healthy planet.
If you are not already a part of the WISE’s web, we invite you to catch the ball of yarn and become one of the veins in the web of life taught at Changing Seasons. I Thank everyone for all of your generous support and expertise in keeping WISE health. You are an important player in the web of life.
With Best Regards, Janelle
Message From Our Board President
WRANGELL INSTITUTE FOR SCIENCE AND ENVIRONMENT - COPPER CENTER, ALASKA PHONE: 907-822-3575
OR 907-822-3282 Contact Us