Summer Program 2007
Presented by the Kenai Watershed Forum

This year’s Summer Program is one of the most diverse and interesting to date! After taking suggestions from interested members and attendees from last year’s program, we have assembled a fantastic group of local experts to lead the hikes and workshops. KWF’s Summer Program is FREE and open to all! We do ask that you RSVP for the hikes/workshops you will be attending, as there are a few with limited space. Contact Josselyn at (907) 260-5449 or josselyn@kenaiwatershed.org for more information and to RSVP.

Kenai Shorebird Celebration
May 16 & 19 • Kenai Visitors & Cultural Center

A shorebird celebration and workshop designed for all levels. Come and share your interest in the birds on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula.

The central Kenai Peninsula area offers pristine beaches, beautiful state parks, a fantastic wildlife refuge and, best of all, thousands of birds. This two-day event is designed to showcase and celebrate our area birds. Suitable for the beginner as well as the advanced birder, the event includes a series of discussions and birding field expeditions.

Link to Kenai Shorebird Celebration webpage.

KPWVT Kick-Off Reception & Celebration
June 2 • 3PM - 5 PM • Kenai Visitors & Cultural Center
Join us for an evening of inspiration as we unveil the Kenai Peninsula Wildlife Viewing Trail. This special event will give you an inside look at the new trail. In addition there will be a photography slideshow presented by Greg Daniels whose photo is featured on the cover. This reception is FREE and open to all. Refreshments & Hors d’Oeuvres will be served.

Kenai River Festival • When Nature meets the River we discover Magic!
June 9 & 10 • 11 AM - 5 PM Daily • Soldotna Creek Park
Let’s celebrate! The 17th Annual Kenai River Festival invites you to participate in this celebration of our wonderful river and all the wildlife it supports. Each year at the festival, information about our rivers, wildlife, and other unique local natural resources are shared through a wide variety of hands-on learning activities for youth and adults.

Activities at the Festival... Slukq'a and the salmon parade • Live Music (all day) • Hands-on children's science booths • Live raptors • Puppet shows • Local artist vendor booths • Wooden fish models for painting • Salmon hats for kids • Pathways to fishing • Agency & Organization information booths • and much, much more!

Link to Kenai River Festival webpage.

Open for Discovery!
June 18 - August 11• Open Mondays through Saturdays
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Don’t miss the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge’s Discovery Room. There are two themes this summer, June 18-July 14: Flora and Fauna and July 16-August 11:TBA. The Discovery Room is located at the Kenai Refuge Environmental Education Center at the Refuge Headquarters. There are several activity stations set up including information, activities, crafts, etc.

Junior Explorer Program: Complete an age appropriate worksheet (ages 4-12+) using the discovery room stations and receive a button.

Trail Explorer Program: Complete a trail worksheet along the Keen-Eye Trail and receive a whistle.
Birding Backpacks: Check out a family birding backpack (includes binoculars, activities, & a bird guide) & walk the Keen-Eye Trail.

Using Your Senses just makes Sense!
June 23 • 1 PM • Discovery Hike at Raven’s Earth Site 15
Hidden Lake and Burney’s Trail
Often times when people are on a hike they hear many sounds but don’t specifically listen to each one individually. They may look around them at a lot of things, but how many of those things do they really see? The goal of this discovery hike is to create an atmosphere where people can take time to listen and see as well as use the rest of their senses to discover what’s happening in the boreal forest. Michelle Ostrowski and Jetta Minerva of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge will be leading this hike along with an experienced birder.

On this hike...
• You will begin to tell the difference between five AK trees predominantly by their sense of touch.
• You will be able to identify a few of the plants and flowers along the hike by sight.
• You will listen for natural and man-made sounds.

Details: This is a guided 1.2-mile round-trip (easy to moderate) hike with a great view. Meet at Site #7 on the Skyview Loop in Hidden Lake Campground. Park in the Amphitheatre parking lot. Wear good walking shoes & bring water. All ages welcome! No dogs please.

From Glaciers to Rivers & Dall Sheep to Reds!
June 28 • 10:00 AM
Geology & Wildlife Tour through Raven’s Earth with Robert Ruffner
This is a full day exploration of the upper Kenai River from Cooper Landing through the Kenai River Canyon and ends at the lower end of Skilak Lake. The trip will feature a wonderful discussion on the history of the upper Kenai River valley during the past 25,000 years, including the cutting of the Kenai River canyon and all the wildlife that now lives there. This trip is a must for those interested in area geology, history and wildlife.

Details: This is a guided driving tour beginning at Raven’s Earth Site 11 in Cooper Landing, Kenai Lake Outlet. We’ll be carpooling from there following the Kenai River down the highway to Skilak Loop Road and ending at Skilak Lake. We will be stopping often at various points of interest. Bring binoculars, sack lunch & water. All ages welcome! No dogs please.

Naturalist Hike with Dominique Collect
July 14 • 9:00 AM
Ever wonder about Alaska’s unique woodland plant life? Local naturalist Dominique Collect, the author of several willow guides, will be leading this hike near Summit Creek. Be ready to explore both on and off the beaten path.

Details: Bring good hiking gear, sack lunch, and plenty of water. The hike will start around 9:AM. Please call 260-5449 for meeting place and any additional information.

Russian River hike with Pati Berkhahn
July 26 • 10:00 AM
Watch the salmon jump the falls as you visit the remote field camp of Russian river. Pati Berkhahn, a Fishery Biologist and project leader for ADF&G, will lead the hike describing the complex relationships that form during the salmon runs. Meet at the upper trailhead parking lot at 10:00 AM. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a sack lunch/snack, and don’t forget your rain gear. This program is limited to 15, so RSVP early.