“River Rat” program returns

ALPENA, Mich. — If you’re looking for something the kids can do after the holiday, you might want to stop by Island Park.

After a COVID hiatus in 2020 the Thunder Bay River Center brought back their July “River Rat” program.

Every Tuesday in July, the Center takes participating kids on a walk around Island Park, guides them in an activity, and leads them in a related science experiment.

Wildlife Sanctuary member Susie Austin said the first session this week is all about birds.

“They’ll build birdhouses on Tuesday. And they’re going to go on a nature walk and do some bird watching. Then they’re going to do a little science experiment to figure out why birds have to preen their feathers to help them stay afloat.”

Austin said there’s still time to register your kid for a session on the River Center website.

The program is open for kindergarten second grade students, and runs every Tuesday in July from 11 AM to noon