Innoko Summer Science Camp K-12, July 23-27, 2007

Innoko National Wildlife Refuge is located @75 miles from McGrath, home of the refuge office. The 3.85 million acre refuge is one of the most important waterfowl areas in Interior Alaska. The Innoko and Iditarod Rivers flow through the refuge, which has excellent habitat for moose, black and brown bear, caribou, small mammals, and fish. Athabaskan people have lived along these rivers for centuries.



Five Friends volunteers flew to McGrath a few days before the 2007 Environmental Science Camp began to meet with Fish & Wildlife staff and others to plan projects and activities to supplement those of staff biologists. This camp has a long and rich history of cooperation between USF&W and the Iditarod Area School District. Students earn a portion of their required science credit for participating in the camp and must keep a detailed journal documenting all projects and activities.

Volunteers stayed in the school building in McGrath and enjoyed exploring the area and meeting people before camp began. Students arrived on Sunday evening and some also lodged in the school. Five of the ten students were flown from their communities or villages to McGrath by a parent or the school district. One arrived by the river, and four resided in McGrath. We all traveled by boat to the camp on Monday. The camp is located in a beautiful Spruce-Birch forest along the Kuskokwim River.



Camp days were highly structured from 8AM until 11Pm and filled with continuous, interesting detailed projects. Bree Murphy and Karla Hart stepped up to the plate to fill an unanticipated 12 hours of free time during the week with additional activities when a F&W project fell through.

Highlights of the week were swimming in the Kuskokwim, trapping and id’ing small voles and shrews, and participating in a Career Night dinner around the campfire. Everyone, from students, refuge staff and Friends volunteers, to guest parents and school district representatives, spoke about their various careers, education, experiences and future goals. Volunteers also enjoyed eating excellent Yukon River Salmon and Agutuk made with whitefish and blueberries, Crisco and sugar. The volunteers were much appreciated by the refuge and school district. The students have asked for a two week camp next year and we have been invited back to help.



Friends of Alaska National Wildlife Refuges
2440 E. Tudor Road, PMB 283
Anchorage, AK 99507-1185
akrefugefriends@gmail.com