Refuge plans celebration to dedicate new environmental center

This year we are proud to dedicate our new Environmental Education Center. For those of you who hike the Keen Eye and Centennial Trails by our visitor center, you have watched this beautiful log building progress from its ground breaking in spring 2003 to completion in fall 2005.

For new visitors, the center will come as unexpected surprise.

The Kenai National Wildlife Refuge will host an Open House for the Kenai

Peninsula community to dedicate the Environmental Education Center on Saturday, Oct. 1, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Open House Schedule of Events:

· 11 AM — Ribbon Cutting and Dedication of the Environmental Education Center

· 11:30 AM — Lunch . Come enjoy hot dogs, chips, cookies and drinks as long as they last.

· 11:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. — All Day Events:

Kid’s Activities — Go on a scavenger hunt and win fun prizes! Enter door prize drawings for wildlife books, games and toys.

Andrew Berg Cabin — Visit the historic cabin that community volunteers and refuge staff relocated from Tustumena Lake in 2000 to the Refuge Visitor Center. Refuge volunteers Bill Nelson and Bud Crawford will host the cabin.

Environmental Education Center — See the new center and find out how it benefits the community.

Visitor Center — Learn about wildlife from our exhibits, watch wildlife movies from noon to 2 p.m., visit our bookstore, and find out about recreational opportunities on the refuge.

We look forward to seeing you and your family at this special celebration!

Candace Ward is a park ranger, who leads the refuge information and education program. After 21 years working in refuge education programs, she is delighted to see the new Environmental Education Center completed and staffed by Environmental Education Specialist Nicole Johnson, with assistance from park ranger Michelle Ostrowski and Student Conservation Association staff Leah Rigall and Kate Navarro.

For more information on Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, call 262-7021 or visit our Web site at www.kenai.fws.gov/