Wrangell Institute for Science and Environment, better known simply as WISE, is a locally based nonprofit organization with the mission of providing science and environmental education, supporting scientific research, and sharing the natural wonders of Alaska's Copper River Valley.




Summer Hikes and Camps!  Every summer, WISE teams up with the BLM GLennallen Field Office and other partners to help families LEARN, GROW, and GET OUTSIDE!  These activities are designed for youth, but all ages are welcome for most events.
SPACE IS LIMITED!  Please sign up in advance by calling (907) 822-3575, or email contact@wise-edu.org

Sunday, June 4, 1-3 pm.  Plants and Their People- An Ethnobotanical Exploration with Lisa Strecker, UAF Ethnobotany Program. Meet at Kenny Lake Library, mile 5 Edgerton Highway.  Come join us for a guided walk to learn more about the plants of the Copper River Basin and some of their relationships to humans. No prior plant knowledge required, but please bring your curiosity along. Lisa Strecker lives in Interior Alaska, is fond of plants and teaches for the UAF Ethnobotany Program.

June 6-8 Youth Environmental Summit (YES) organized by Gakona Village. Active outdoor program for elementary and middle school age youth, to learn how to take care of our environment. This year's theme is "Resilience Rangers"  Call (907) 822-5777 for details.

Thursday, June 15, 10am Tonsina River Bluff Hike.  Meet at Kenny Lake School parking lot. Forests may seem stable, but they are always changing! We will explore the  stages of Boreal Forest succession, including old burns, regrown clearings, and climax growth.

Thursday, June 29, 11am Keystone Canyon Goat Trail Hike. Meet at Bridal Veil Falls pullout, Mile 13.75 Richardson. Explore the temperate rainforest and walk through history on the old Valdez Trail.

Thursday, July 6, 10am Copper Center School Trail Hike.  Meet at the old school on Silver Springs Road.  We will explore the student art along the trail, then create some art of our own using natural materials.

Friday, July 14, 9am Willow Mountain Hike, Meet at the Willow Lake pullout, Mile 88 Richardson. A visit to alpine tundra, and fantastic views of three different mountain ranges! This is a very steep 5 mile hike, bring plenty of water, extra layers, and sturdy shoes.

July 17-21 Kenny Lake Public Library Book Camp.  9am-12noon.  All kids welcome! The theme is "Find your Voice"  Learn your way around a library, read, and get creative!  For more information please call (907) 259-5830

July 25-28 Geology Camp with Wrangell Mountains Center.  Join McCarthy youth for backpacking, camping, Kennecott Mill tour, and a hike up to Bonanza Mine. Ages 12-16. Please sign up by July 10. $200 fee, scholarships available.

August 1-3  Aquatic Ecology Camp, Ages 10-14  Explore aquatic life, canoe, swim, and camp at Silver Lake.  Please sign up by July 17.  $100 fee, scholarships available.

Thursday, August 10, 11am  Paxson Tower Trail Hike. 11am. Meet at Mile 179 Richardson Highway.  We will head up into the hills for spectacular views and a chance to explore alpine tundra.  

Wednesday, August 16  11am Caribou Creek Trail Hike.  Mile 18.9 Nabesna Road.   Explore the north side of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park with a hike at the base of the Mentasta Mountains.  We will take our time and hope to pick some blueberries!

Science Lecture Series Recordings
Find them here!

About Our Name
​WISE is a nonprofit organization founded in 2002 with the mission of providing science and environmental education for Alaska's Copper River Valley.  Our full name, Wrangell Institute for Science and Environment, references the nearby Wrangell Mountains, a symbol of the place we serve.  Science, Environment, and the word Institute were included to show our educational focus.  The happy combination of letters giving the acronym "WISE" was a positive factor in the final selection of the name.  
    WISE has no connection or affiliation with the former BIA school known as Wrangell Institute.

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Wrangell Institute for Science and Environment (WISE)

A Glimpse at 2022 Programs

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, WISE depends on community support. If you, your family, or your community benefit from WISE's services, consider donating to WISE or volunteering with us, or signing up for our mailing list!