Austwell — Every Thursday from June 21 through Aug. 9, from 1 to 2 p.m., Aransas National Wildlife Refuge will offer kids (and parents) a chance to experience one hour of exploration of an incredible refuge and an opportunity to learn something fun about the outside world. The Refuge Explorers program will have a different theme every week and will include learning about pollinators, endangered species and fishing. A schedule of events is as follows:

June 28 – Fishing Games and Fun

July 5 – Junior Duck Stamp Activities

July 12 – Sea Turtles and their Lives

July 19 – Learn to Birdwatch

July 26 – Identifying Tracks and Skins

Aug. 2 – Mythbusters: Wildlife Style

Aug. 9 – Endangered Species: What Can We Do to Help Rare Wildlife

These programs are free for the public. All programs will involve some outside time (weather permitting). So, dress in clothing that can get dirty and is comfortable. Parents and/or guardians should stay with the kids while at the refuge. For more information, contact Aransas NWR at 361-286-3559.

Directions

From north: travel south on Hwy. 35 to Tivoli. Continue past Tivoli for about one mile to the FM 239 exit (on your left). Follow FM 239 to Austwell. Entering Austwell, FM 239 turns into FM 774 at the curve. Continue on FM 774 and take a right at the stop sign. Go down the end of the street and take a right again. This goes out of town for about ½ mile to the FM 2040 turn. Go left on FM 2040 for about six miles to the Refuge gate. Go to the Visitor Center to register.