Noah Koeller didn't know there'd be bugs at the Richland Public Library when he went with his mom and brother to pick up a book.
So he was pleasantly surprised to find critters from the McNary National Wildlife Refuge set up at some tables in the back.
The 5-year-old from Richland likes bugs "because they wiggle," he said.
He sifted through mud and water and used a microscope to examine the freshwater invertebrates he found.
The activity was part of a spring break program at public libraries in the Tri-Cities put on by the Regional Service Corps in Pasco.
Activities continue today.
Volunteers from the service corps, which is part of AmeriCorps, commit to spending 10 months helping the community.
Most of this year's crew serves as literacy tutors in the Pasco School District, said Jenifer Munson, program assistant.
They also put on events for students during breaks from school. This week's activities are centered on nature, conservation and recycling because it's Earth Month.
Iguanas, snails and guinea pigs have been among the special guests.
"Kids love the animals when they come in, the bugs," Munson said.
That was true Wednesday. Noah and a couple other kids checked out water fleas and water boatmen.
They got help from service corps members and McNary refuge volunteers.
"I think it's fantastic," said Beth Koeller, Noah's mom, as she watched her boy use a spoon to catch bugs in the water.
Noah's brother, Derek, 7, also was at the library. He wasn't as interested in checking out the critters.
But Sai Kukkadapu, 6, of Richland, seemed to have fun.
"I spooned (the bugs) out and looked at them," the little boy said. "It was cool."
The microscopes and magnifiers were set up next to plastic containers of water and dark mud. There also was a poster that talked about the "web of life" and different bugs found at the refuge.
Service corps members and McNary volunteers said they hope the activities will help inspire a lifelong love of nature in the children.
"If we can connect all these kiddos with nature, it's a few less hours in front of the TV," said Debbie Jennings from the McNary refuge. "If they get that interest and want to help save the planet ... We'll have some open spaces for these (bugs) to grow."
The students also got to do a craft and hear a story about a rainbow fish and a whale.
Sessions are from noon to 2 p.m. and from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. today at the Richland Public Library and the Keewaydin Park, Kennewick, West Richland and Pasco branches of the Mid-Columbia Library System.
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Army Corps revises dock plan
Army Corps revises dock plan
The Army Corps has revised proposed rules that Tri-Citians felt severely hampered the ability for new private docks to be added along the Columbia River.
The proposed McNary Shoreline Management Plan would allow landowners to keep their current docks without upgrading them. But when the property is sold or retitled, the new owner will have to comply with new fish-friendly design standards.
This is the second time the Corps has issued a revised draft plan based on public comment.
Try out geocaching at Burbank event today
Try out geocaching at Burbank event today
Try nature geocaching in a free search organized today at the McNary National Wildlife Refuge near Burbank.
A limited supply of GPS units will be available to help participants follow clues to find 21 of nature's treasures along the McNary trail from 9 a.m. to noon. There is no cost.
The refuge's Environmental Education Center is at 311 Lake Road. From the Tri-Cities go east on Interstate 182 and Highway 12 to Burbank. Turn left at the Humorist Road stoplight and then left on Lake Road.
Outdoors briefs: Audubon Society holds bird walk Saturday
Outdoors briefs: Audubon Society holds bird walk Saturday
RICHLAND -- The Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society (LCBAS) is holding its monthly bird walk on Bateman Island at 8 a.m. Saturday.
Meet at Wye Park above the causeway to Bateman Island. All are welcome. Beginning birders are encouraged to join the group. Expert birders, come provide expertise for those new to bird watching.
Bring binoculars and water and wear sturdy shoes.
Spillway Park access closed through April 1
Spillway Park access closed through April 1
UMATILLA -- Public access to Spillway Park, located about one-half mile downstream of McNary Lock and Dam on the Oregon shoreline, will be closed for construction work Tuesday through April 1, according to the Army Corps of Engineers.
The temporary closure will ensure public safety while the Corps constructs a juvenile fish outfall pipeline from the juvenile fish facility adjacent to McNary Dam to about one-half mile downstream.
Free firewood available to public at McNary Dam
Ospreys entwined with refuse at McNary National Wildlife Refuge (w/ gallery)
Ospreys entwined with refuse at McNary National Wildlife Refuge (w/ gallery)
U.S. Fish and Wildlife has twice had to rescue ospreys near the McNary National Wildlife Refuge in the last 12 days.
The menace? Baling twine.
About 10 percent of osprey die annually from entanglement, including in scavenged baling twine and fishing line, according to University of Montana research, said Richard Bare, a federal game warden.
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