Discover Your Forest in partnership with the Deschutes National Forest will be hosting their annual “Junior Snow Ranger” program at Mt. Bachelor’s West Village. The program will be held on three different Sundays: Jan. 24, Feb. 21 and March 13 between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Groups will meet at the Forest Service snowshoeing hut located at Mt. Bachelor’s West Village.

The goal of the family program is to inspire youth to embrace a life-long relationship with the winter environment, while also becoming a steward of the land. Participants explore a variety of outdoor winter activities, including: snowshoeing, understanding winter safety, exploring snowflakes, wildlife tracking, learning about winter ecology and appreciating winter recreation.

While designed for fourth and fifth graders, the material is appropriate for children between the ages of 7 and 11. The “Junior Snow Ranger” program is a family event and parents are encouraged to experience the activities with their children. Families can stay for the entire duration of the event or come for a portion.

The event is free; however, donations are greatly appreciated. Donations help fund future Discover Your Forest events and programs across the Deschutes National Forest. While participants can join the program on the day-of, event coordinators would appreciate registration ahead of time, if possible, to help with planning for program supplies.

To register for the program, please contact Karen Gentry, Conservation Educator for Discover Your Forest. She can be reached at (541) 233-6110 or kwgentry@fs.fed.us.