Wrangell Institute for Science and Environment (WISE)

07/21/2026

Last week, we had an amazing adventure that included geology, backpacking, camping, history, and plenty of silly kid fun.
9 Copper Basin kids ages 11-15, 4 staff, and 1 intrepid volunteer hiked up to Bonanza Mine, located at 6000 feet in the mountains of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve.
For our hike to the mine, we were joined by a Geologist from the park, who helped us read the landscape and learn about the formation of the copper deposits.
Backpacking takes real grit and tenacity, which this group had in abundance. It's also a great opportunity to practice teamwork, and learn how to work together to reach a common goal.
Many thanks to Alaska Community Foundation , The Fireweed - Racing Across Alaska, and our other supporters for making this possible. We are also grateful to partner Wrangell Mountains Center for hosting us in McCarthy, Bureau of Land Management - Alaska for providing staff and equipment, Blackburn Heritage Foundation for helping us get around, Steve at The Angle Station for providing an amazing campsite, and the crew at St. Elias Alpine Guides for a tour of the historic mill building.

07/08/2026

Looking for something fun and different to do this weekend?
WISE is assisting The Fireweed - Racing Across Alaska bicycle race with the Willow Creek aid station at Mile 91 Richardson Highway this Saturday, July 11th. We could use a few volunteers! It's a cool chance to see the hundreds of bicyclers coming through and help them on their journey.
Send me a message or email [email protected] if you would like to check it out!

The Fireweed is the most beautiful road bike race in the state of Alaska. As a charity our proceeds help support youth cycling athletic programs.

07/01/2026

Starts with an S and ends with a T,
Comes out of you and it comes out of me,
I know what you're thinking, don't call it that...
Let's be scientists and call it S**T!
Who know you could learn so much from what animals leave behind?

07/01/2026

Copper River Stewardship Program is a great example of teamwork! Organizations work together to make it happen, Teens work together to learn how to make a difference in their world. We love these reflections from the stewards, paired with photos of their adventures.

Warm thanks to partners Prince William Sound Science Center, Copper River Watershed Projectt, Ahtna Intertribal Resource Commission, and Bureau of Land Management - Alaska for the hard work of organizing and leading this beautiful adventure. With gratitude for all the funders who make it possible: Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council, Kate Svitek Memorial Foundation, The Fireweed - Racing Across Alaska, and Alyeska Pipeline Service Company.

06/22/2026

It's time for summer hikes! The first hike for the season will be this Thursday, an easy jaunt from Kenny Lake School to the Tonsina River Bluff.
Meet us at the School at 10am, or give a call or email for a ride in the van. We look forward to brilliant wildflowers, a look into geologic history, and a beautiful walk listening to the river.

Unless otherwise noted, sign up for WISE programs by calling (907) 822-3575, or email [email protected] Thursday, June 25, 10am WISE/BLM Hike Kenny Lake School Trail and Tonsina River Bluff...

06/19/2026

We had an amazing adventure with Copper River Stewardship Program last week! This program has had such a lasting impact on so many local youth, honored to be a part of this partnership.

06/04/2026

Over the last several years, we have been working with WISE friend Ray Voley of AKWild1 to make videos sharing WISE's mission and adventures. We love how these little films capture the essence of our programs, and the beauty of our home.
You can find them on our Youtube channel, WISE.education.Alaska.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cfrO1VQY1O0&t=36s

This summer Ray is working on a project documenting subsistence traditions in our community, and the importance of salmon to the lives of Copper Basin Residents. He is looking for people willing to share their thoughts and experiences.
Please contact Ray if you might like to help! [email protected]

We are excited to introduce our new video, featuring interviews wit...

05/21/2026

Youth Environmental Summit (YES) is next week! This fun week is organized by Native Village of Gakona, and all kids are welcome!
WISE will be helping the kids create handprint art on tote bags.

05/19/2026

Summer fun is just around the corner! Here's the summer schedule of hikes and camps. Space is limited for Geology Camp (ages 12-16) and Aquatic Ecology Camp (ages 10-14) so sign up soon!
Thursday, June 25- Kenny Lake School Trail and Tonsina River Bluff
July 14-17 Geology Camp for youth ages 12-16
Thursday, July 23 Lion's Head Trail.
August 4-6 Aquatic Ecology Camp for ages 10-14
August 11 Paxson Cell Tower Trail- Hike and berry picking!