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Creeks & Critters!

By Dani Thompson / Anchorage, AK

Overall it was a great day and I got a lot of good feedback from teachers about how much their kids enjoyed Creeks & Critters. They even said they want to make this a yearly outreach project with my office! I am going to do my best to leave all the planning materials behind so that this can be an easy and fun new tradition for Fish and Wildlife Service and Tudor Elementary School. : ) ... read more

BIG LAKE...The name of the lake, the name of the town.

By Dani Thompson / Anchorage, AK

...the crew I worked with was staffed entirely with AMAZING cooks! I ate way better than I do in my little apartment in Anchorage. Among other tasty things, I was treated to King Crab, grilled asparagus, and shrimp curry. Let me tell you, it was a wonderful thing to look forward to after a long day working in the field. ... read more

Environmental Education Is Tricky.

By Dani Thompson / Anchorage, AK

I have been witness to the most wonderful “ah ha!” moments when an educator finally breaks through to a kid. Eyes light up at a newly learned fact, a mouth hangs open at the sight of a wild animal in its natural environment, hands suddenly develop a mind of their own and no longer care about getting dirty or wet. You never can tell when or what will trigger these reactions, and it is something different for every kid, but the essential ingredient is a great teacher. ... read more

Putting down some roots in Anchor-town

By Dani Thompson / Anchorage, AK

We didn't spot any critters on our trip, but the flowers were in full bloom and the picturesque sub-arctic mountain landscape was breathtaking!! I kept having to pinch myself at how beautiful everything was...oh wait that wasn't me, it was a mosquito. In fact, I counted over 30 new bites when I got home. No wonder locals tease that the mosquito is Alaska’s "state bird!" ... read more