NEWS17-031
| Media contacts:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Heather Frye, (360) 902-8511 |
OLYMPIA – May 17, 2017 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission invites children of all ages to join Lake Wenatchee State Park staff and expert guest speakers for a full season of diverse, informative Junior Ranger and interpretive programs.
The free programs run from May 20 through Sept. 2, at Lake Wenatchee State Park, 21588 SR 207, Leavenworth (Directions).
A Discover Pass is required for parking, except on June 10, which a Discover Pass free day in recognition of National Get Outdoors Day.
Programs will include staff-guided hikes, hands-on activities, visits from natural resources specialists, musicians and more. All programs are family friendly and designed with an educational purpose.
All ages are welcome to Junior Ranger programs, but most educational material for the half hour to hour-long programs is catered to ages 6 to 12. Children younger than 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Participants who complete all required tasks during the program may receive an official Junior Ranger card and a small prize.
Participants should meet at the outdoor amphitheater located in Lake Wenatchee’s southern campground unless otherwise noted.
A Walk in the Woods
11 a.m. Saturday, May 20
Join park staff for Kids to Parks Day, as they provide a Junior Ranger nature hike through South Park to identify a few common species of flora and fauna found in the park.
Large Predatory Mammals in Chelan County
6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 10
Rich Beausoleil, a bear and cougar specialist with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, will discuss the large mammals in the area, including how he manages wildlife using his Karelian bear dogs Cash and Indy. This is a Discover Pass free day, in recognition of National Get Outdoors Day.
Conserving Natural Resources
2 p.m. Saturday, July 1
Park staff will provide a Junior Ranger program discussing ways to conserve natural resources, what that means and how the park practices good land stewardship. Participants also will work on a take-home project to help remember good conservation methods at home.
Birds of Lake Wenatchee
7 p.m. Wednesday, July 5
Heather Murphy, a wildlife biologist and artist, will discuss the birds in the area and will show slides. This program is provided in partnership with the Upper Basin Birders, a Citizen Science program.
FIRE! FIRE! FIRE!
2 p.m. Saturdays, July 8, July 29 and Aug. 26
The Lake Wenatchee Fire and Rescue Department will provide a Junior Ranger program featuring fire safety information, demonstrations and hands-on involvement with fire trucks, water supplies, firefighter gear and emergency vehicles.
Central Washington’s Greatest Hits... Geologically!
7 p.m. Saturday, July 8
Nick Zentner, a Central Washington University geology professor, will present a short program on the amazing geology of this region. Learn about volcanic eruptions, huge glaciers, big earthquakes, Ice Age Floods, petrified wood, gold and the blue agates that all helped create today’s Central Washington landscape. There also will be a question-and-answer session.
Glacial History of the Lake Wenatchee Area
6:30 p.m., Friday, July 14
Join Kelsay Stanton, Earth science instructor at Wenatchee Valley College, as she begins the evening with a talk and slideshow highlighting rock types, ages, glaciation and more. Then, join her for a walk on the nature trails to see the physical representation of her discussion. Wear walking shoes and bring water.
Rocks Rock!
2 p.m. Saturdays, July 15, Aug. 12 and Aug. 26
With this Junior Ranger program, park staff will highlight some of the geologic history of the park and point out evidence of some ancient geological influences found around the area. A take-home project will be included.
Songs and Stories
7 p.m. Saturday, July 15
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to be entertained by a park favorite. Tom Rawson will sing folk songs and tell lively stories.
Animal Tracks
2 p.m. Saturday, July 22
Park staff will provide an educational and fun Junior Ranger program focusing on the footprints left behind by animals found in the park. A take-home project will be included.
The Reptile Man
11 a.m. Saturday, July 29
Scott Petersen, “The Reptile Man,” from The Reptile Zoo in Monroe will delight audiences with a unique presentation highlighting a collection of reptiles found in the Pacific Northwest. He showcases quality care of these animals, and encourages positive awareness and informative interaction through his programs.
Bug Safari
2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5
Park staff will lead a forest safari to hunt for various types of bugs found in the park in this fun Junior Ranger program. Participants are encouraged to wear walking shoes and bring water as they will be out on the trails looking for bugs. Participants will then return to a picnic shelter to work on a take-home project.
Appalachian Step Dance
7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12
Join the Eclectic Cloggers, accompanied by Moonshine and Turpentine, for an evening of lively step dance and Appalachian tunes presented in traditional Appalachian dress.
One, Two, Tree!
2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 19
Park staff will provide a Junior Ranger program focused on identifying a few common trees in the park and how to tell their age. Wear walking shoes and bring water. A take-home project will be included.
Salmon Life Cycle
11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 2
Park staff will discuss the life cycle of Sockeye salmon, their territory, habits and interesting facts in this Junior Ranger program. A take-home project is included.
Programs are subject to change. Participants are advised to verify an upcoming location and start time before arriving at the park or attending an event by calling (509) 763-3101 or asking park staff on site. Participants should wear clothing and shoes appropriate for weather and terrain conditions and bring water, a snack, bug spray and a comfortable cushion for evening programs.
About Lake Wenatchee State Park
Lake Wenatchee State Park is a 489-acre camping park with 12,623 feet of waterfront on glacier-fed Lake Wenatchee and the Wenatchee River. Located 16 miles from the Bavarian theme town of Leavenworth, the park is a natural wildlife area, and visitors should be aware of the presence of bears and other natural dangers. For more information, visit: http://parks.state.wa.us/535/Lake-Wenatchee.
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About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at http://adventureawaits.com/
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
1111 Israel Road S.W.
P.O. Box 42650
Olympia, WA 98504-2650
Washington Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388