Kanuti NWR Refuge: Saagelekkakk’et (Henshaw Creek) Weir Science Camp

Project NameSaagelekkakk’et (Henshaw Creek) Weir Science Camp
Project Number311
LocationAllakaket
DatesJuly 19-25, 2015
Duration1 week
Number of Volunteers Needed1 or 2
DescriptionKanuti Refuge staff will cooperate with nearby village tribal councils, Tanana Chiefs Conference,www.storereplica.net Watershed School and the Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges to host a science camp at the Henshaw Creek fish weir July 20-24, 2015. Topics and activities will include stream ecology, aquatic invertebrates, fish identification, fish dissection, sampling procedures for age, sex and length, weir technician duties, habitat characteristics, data analysis, fish painting, science and conservation career possibilities, plants, waterfowl, and conservation of habitat in refuges. This science camp is geared towards junior high and high school students who reside in villages near Kanuti Refuge- Allakaket, Alatna, Hughes, Huslia, Evansville, and Bettles. Approximately 10-14 students will attend the camp, along with 2-4 elders from Allakaket and Alatna. The purpose of the camp is to provide an exceptional hands-on, field-based opportunity to get students living near the Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge and 2 selected Fairbanks students from the Watershed School excited about science and natural resources management. Students will understand the importance of sound land management practices on refuges to conserve migration corridors, spawning areas and rearing habitat for native fish and wildlife. It will also provide opportunity for students to interact with refuge staff, and Native non-profit government organizations to learn about the role of refuges and partners in protecting fish and wildlife resources and their habitats. Experiences and knowledge gained will be taken back into communities and shared with others, improving understanding of refuge programs and strengthening relationships. This camp is conducted at Henshaw Creek Weir, a remote, working fish-counting weir in the refuge that is staffed by Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) technicians. The site is accessed by motorboat from Allakaket (the nearest community with air service) via the Koyukuk River and Henshaw Creek, or by a floatplane landing on the Koyukuk River and followed by a short motorboat trip up Henshaw Creek. Lodging is in tents, so it is an all-week outdoor experience. Volunteers will fly from Fairbanks to Allakaket via commercial air service and should plan to arrive in Allakaket Sunday, July 19. Staff and volunteers will travel to Henshaw Weir the afternoon of July 19th to set up. Camp will begin on July 20th in the afternoon (students will arrive via motor boat on the morning on July 20th), and will conclude on July 24th after a final wrap-up morning session. Volunteers will be returned by motorboat to Allakaket and will be able to make afternoon flights leaving Allakaket (around 1 pm) on July 25. The refuge will provide meals and lodging in the field and transportation to the field site from Fairbanks or Allakaket. Friends will pay for transportation to Fairbanks from Alaskan cities.
Skills NeededProfessional education background desirable, with some knowledge of fisheries preferred. www.rcgadget.org We are looking for a volunteer that could be any wildlife enthusiast who shares a passion for refuges. the outdoors, and environmental education. The selected volunteer will be responsible for leading 1-2 activities and should enjoy working with junior high and high school aged students.
Education TopicsAll topics should be geared toward junior high and high school aged students. best rc drones Topics can vary widely depending on the background and skills of the volunteer, but should be related in some way to Kanuti Refuge resources and/or issues. Examples - an artist or photographer could put together a very informative and fun session that relates to natural resources; a writer could present a session on documenting experiences in nature through journaling; a botanist could do several sessions on identifying plants for medicinal purposes. Other topics could include sustainability, careers in natural resources, nature observation skills or other subjects related to the refuge. We are open-minded and willing to work with the interests of the selected volunteer.
Audience AgeJunior High and High School age
Materials NeededTents and a sleeping pad will be provided. Volunteers will need to bring a sleeping bag, warm clothing, comfortable shoes, personal care items, bug jacket, sunscreen.
Other Outreach OpportunitiesAllyssa Morris Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 101 12th Ave. Room 206 Fairbanks, AK 99701 (907) (907) 456-0506 fax
Contact Allyssa Morris Kanuti National Wildlife Refuge (907) 456-0213 ph or bettysiegel@alaskarefugefriends.org