FWP partners with FLBS and Flathead Audubon to offer free educational kits

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is excited to announce the return of the popular Junior Ranger to-go kits this winter, in partnership with the Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) and the Flathead Audubon Society (FAS).

These free, rotating kits offer local youth and families engaging, hands-on learning experiences covering local ecology, birds, snow science, and more.

The kits are designed for students in grades 2nd through 6th and feature lesson plans, activities, and materials provided by the three partnering organizations.

The kits are a fantastic way to keep kids learning and exploring, even when it’s cold outside.

Kit Details and Schedule

The Junior Ranger To-Go Kits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis every other week, beginning today, Dec. 5, and running until the last kit is released on March 27. Only one kit is available per household, and supplies are limited.

This year, kids who complete four kits are eligible for a special prize. Details on how to win are included within the kits.

The rotation schedule for the kits is as follows:

• Dec. 5 - Ducks
• Dec. 19 - Snow Ranger
• Jan. 2 - Winter Scientist
• Jan. 16 - Raptors
• Jan. 30 - Hibernation
• Feb. 13 - Fall in Love with Flathead Lake
• Feb. 27 - Owls
• March 13 - Winter Lake Ecology
• March 27 - Gearing up for Spring

Where to Pick Up Your Kits

Kits are available for pickup at multiple locations across the Flathead Valley:

• Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park: Available anytime in a bin outside the Ranger Station in Bigfork.
• Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Regional Office: 490 N. Meridian in Kalispell, Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM.
• Columbia Falls Library: Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM; Saturday, 10 AM – 2 PM.
• Polson Library: Monday to Friday, 9 AM – 6 PM; Saturday, 9 AM – 4 PM.

For more information, contact the Flathead Lake State Park Ranger Station at 406-837-3041, ext. 2.