Listen. Do you hear that? A deep, throaty croak pops through the air over the treetops, just out of sight. The children I am walking with stop and try to recognize the animal making these unique, reverberating sounds. We offer guesses, discuss what it could be (Is it flying? Sitting in a tree?), then scan the air for visual confirmation. A raven whips overhead, theatrically dipping and twisting in the wind before disappearing over the lake.

Join in the fun next Friday, June 15, for Wildflower Fun Day, a "once-a-year only" free special event, held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge Environmental Education Center (located one mile from Soldotna off Ski Hill Road). Enjoy wildflower displays,crafts, activities, door prizes, and wildflower inspired snacks. Join Refuge staff on the Keen Eye Nature Trail to learn about colorful wildflowers from pink wild roses to purple lupine. Please pre-register for these walks with Michelle Ostrowski at 260-2839.

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge is recruiting campground hosts for Hidden Lake Campground from mid-May to Labor Day this summer. Hidden Lake Campground is the Refuge's most popular campground located on beautiful Hidden Lake and tucked away off Skilak Lake Road.

To give you an excellent idea of how rewarding the host experience is, here are excerpts from a first- hand account by former hosts Jim and Mary Cramer:

Celebrate Kenai National Wildlife Refuge’s 70th birthday on Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. We’re “pulling out the stops” with a host of fun activities. Enjoy a free hot dog and chili lunch with birthday cake for dessert.

See live bald and golden eagles from Anchorage Bird Treatment & Learning Center (TLC). Listen to local musicians sharing their talents. Complete a family scavenger hunt and win a free moose sun catcher ornament.