Park Celebrates Spring with Events for the Whole Community April 23-24
Activities Offered April 23-24 Remind us to Recreate Responsibly this Summer
News Release
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Photo Credit/ Fortress of the Bear
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Contact: Cinnamon Dockham
Ah, springtime in Sitka.
The hail. The herring. The daylight. The bears.
All are invited to join us as we prepare for the upcoming busy summer with two exciting events the weekend of April 23-24. We’ve collaborated with several community partners to kickoff spring with fun and educational activities to help our whole community recreate responsibly this summer.
April 23 is National Jr. Ranger Day.
What better way to #SparkCuriosity than to learn about bear safety? In partnership with Fortress of the Bear, Sitka 4-H, City of Sitka, and Sitka Community Library, a “Bear Awareness and Safety” focused day is lined up for all who wish to participate.
We recommend that you start at the Fortress of the Bear, where from 10 am – 2 pm, bears will be giving special safety demonstrations with a variety of bear resistant containers, provided by the City of Sitka.
Continue the adventure in the afternoon at Sitka National Historical Park, where from 1-3pm Kids can earn a unique “Bear Aware” Jr Ranger patch! The patches were designed specifically for this event, and we have a limited supply- so they are very special!
To earn a patch, Jr. Rangers will get a card to complete. To help them complete the card we have “drop in” style education stations. Sitka 4-H will host a “Keep a clean camp/ leave no trace” station. Other stations include design your own bear safety poster, which can be displayed at Sitka Public Library; Scat and Track identification; "make and take" craft activities; bear biology fun facts; and a bear safety and bear spray demonstration, offered every half hour (1, 1:30, 2, 2:30). The optional Grand Finale will be at 3 pm with a 50-minute documentary film about bears played in the park theater.
April 24 is National BARK Ranger Day
A perfect time to #SparkMemories with your favorite four-legged walking partner. The theme is “Sitka Spirit”, and we are ready to see the doggies BRING IT! Sitka Animal Hospital, Ariana’s Groom Room, and Sitka Animal Shelter are co-hosting drop-in stations with the park from 1-3 pm. Participants will receive a booklet and learn the BARK Ranger code. Dogs will earn a fancy BARK Ranger dog tag to wear proudly on their collar. At 2:30 we’ll have doggy spring fashion show, and we just know the Sitka pets will strut their stuff in style! Show your Sitka Spirit and win a prize! You don’t need to have or bring a dog to enjoy this event- it will be fun just to watch.
We are looking forward to spending time with friends, families, and fellow community members as we practice how to #RecreateResponsibly this summer.
Last updated: October 10, 2024