Free Junior Ranger To-Go Kits promote youth outdoor education

KALISPELL - Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is offering free youth educational kits at two of its state parks this winter.

The Junior Ranger To-Go Kits are available at Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park in Bigfork and Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell. These grab-and-go kits are geared toward elementary-school aged kids and are perfect for early release days, weekends and holiday learning. These kits will cover topics such as wildlife tracking, birding, owls, snow science, and winter’s effects on forest/lake ecology. Each kit will have lesson plans, activities, and most materials provided.

Locations and dates of pick-up will vary, and all kits will be available on a first come, first served basis throughout the two-week period. Pick up a kit at Lone Pine during visitor center hours, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday, and 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Pick up kits at Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday at the Ranger Station in the Harry Horn area of the Wayfarers Unit. 

• Jan. 4: Tracks. Pick up at Lone Pine State Park

• Jan. 18: Snow Ranger. Pick up at Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park

• Feb. 1: Winter Birding. Pick up at Lone Pine State Park

• Feb. 15: Owls. Pick up at Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park

• March 1: Hibernation. Pick up at Lone Pine State Park

• March 15: Migration. Pick up at Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park

For more information, call the Park Visitor Center or Ranger Station at (406) 755-2706 or (406) 837-3041