It’s been beautiful weather out here in Mount Hood National Forest, and the volunteers are giving families a way to have fun in the sun every Sunday until August 17.
Smokey’s Trail is a new activity this year that gathers children and parents together to learn about fire prevention, forest ecology, responsible outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship through an interactive hike at the ZigZag Ranger Station. From noon to 2:30 p.m. children will play games, hike a trail with an interpretive Ranger and meet Smokey Bear.
About 25 people attended the first Smokey’s Trail on July 13, and children had a blast learning about the environment and how to protect it. Fire management is a big issue in our state, and prevention and suppression, as well as prescribed burns and other techniques are an important part of what the Forest Service is all about. Smokey Bear is a great tool to teach children the steps to keep Oregon green, so the trail activity is an essential part of the interpretive program.
Volunteers Adrian Parris and Emily Roads from Arizona by way of New Orleans, Louisiana spearheaded the project, and tried to lay the foundation for the continuation of this interactive hike for kids in the future.
Make sure to catch the next Smokey’s Trail event on Sunday, July 20.
Remember: Only YOU can prevent forest fires!
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- Children and Rangers walk down the trail near the ZigZag Ranger Station.
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- Smokey meets and greets the kids!
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- Jeanna and Adrian teach children about Smokey Bear’s message
