Sockeye salmon splash their way up Steep Creek in 2012. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

Sockeye salmon splash their way up Steep Creek in 2012. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire file)

Glacier center starts ‘Mendenhall Minis’ program for young children

The Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center will host a series of activities for young children this winter on the second Saturday of every month.

The events are called Mendenhall Minis, and will teach children 3-5 years old about local wildlife. The first mini will be Nov. 10, 10:30-11 a.m. at the visitor center.

U.S. Forest Service employees will teach children about the salmon life cycle, the different species of salmon in Southeast, and the coho salmon that can be seen in Steep Creek. Families are welcome to explore the visitor center and other activities in the Discovery Zone after the event. The Discovery Zone has been moved from its location in a yurt outside the center to inside the center for the winter season.

The Visitor Center, Discovery Zone, and Discovery Southeast Bookstore are open all winter during Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Outdoor areas around the visitor center are open 6 a.m. to midnight, year-round.

For more information, visit www.mendenhallglacier.net, follow the MGVC on Facebook at @MendenhallGlacierVC, or call (907) 789-0097.

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