WISE Planning Alternative Events for Spring

By Robin Mayo
​The Covid-19 situation has forced some big changes of WISE events in the near future, but we want to keep providing opportunities to learn, grow, and get outside.  It has been discouraging to have so many cancellations and changes to much-anticipated programs like Family Ice Fishing Day, but we are also excited to be working creatively with partners and looking for ways to say “YES!”
Earth Discovery Day usually brings crowds of 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park Visitor Center in early May for a hands-on day of outdoor learning.  Faced with cancellation, we decided to keep the spirit of the event alive by joining the students in their classroom video conferences the week of May 11-15.  Sessions will include a visit with a short-eared owl at the AK WildBird Rehabilitation Center, a walk in the woods with a forester, Park Rangers, and fish biologists dissecting salmon.
All Students in grades 4, 5 and 6 with Copper River School District and Upstream Learning will have a chance to participate.  Look for information from your classroom teacher!
We will also be hosting a science lecture on wolverines with Alaska Department of Fish and Game Biologist Mike Harrington on May 8 at 7pm. The multi-media presentation will describe the research on wolverine movements that will provide valuable data for estimating their populations, and to help game managers ensure healthy populations and sustainable harvests. The presentation will explain all aspects of wolverine biology and ecology, including reproduction, activity, habitat preferences, home range sizes, and interactions among their species. 
 The Science Lecture will be held via video conference.  If you’d like to attend, please email [email protected] or call the WISE office at 822-3575.
Summer programs such as WISE/BLM hikes and Science Camps are still uncertain, but we are working on finding alternatives such as creating guides for family hikes, and hosting virtual events.  Updates will be posted on the WISE website (www.wise-edu.org) and Facebook page, or call the office.