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Fort to kick off 2 summer programs Saturday

Survival skills classes, ‘Bark Ranger’ walks on tap at historic site

By Tom Vogt, Columbian Science, Military & History Reporter
Published: May 24, 2018, 6:00am
3 Photos
Visitors take part in a “Bark Ranger” walking tour last year at Fort Vancouver. This year’s four-walk series begins on Saturday.
Visitors take part in a “Bark Ranger” walking tour last year at Fort Vancouver. This year’s four-walk series begins on Saturday. (The Columbian files) Photo Gallery

Two series of summer programs begin Saturday at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, with the opening sessions of “Bark Ranger” walking tours and survival skills of the 1800s.

Both programs are free, but registration is required for the survival skills program and it also has age requirements.

Survive and Thrive

The series opens with a fire-making workshop. All three workshops will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the reconstructed Fort Vancouver, 1001 E. Fifth St., Vancouver.

The program uses hands-on history to illustrate the lives and skills of men and women who lived in the Pacific Northwest in the 1800s. The lessons also are “useful for modern-day hikers, backpackers, and anyone interested in exploring the great outdoors,” park guide Brett Roth said in a news release.

Most of the activities will be outdoors. Participants must be at least 14; those under 18 must have a parent participating in the program. The program is physically active. People with questions about accessibility or who require accommodations should call the park; register by calling 360-816-6244.

The other workshops:

• June 2, ropes and shelters.

• June 16, tool use.

‘Bark Ranger’

The series of four walking tours will invite visitors and their dogs to explore Fort Vancouver. (People without dogs are welcome.)

Park rangers will discuss the history of dogs at Fort Vancouver and Vancouver Barracks, as well as the overall history of the site.

Saturday’s series opener will focus on the history of the Hudson’s Bay Company’s employee village.

The tours will also highlight how to explore the site safely with pet dogs.

Each walk will begin at 10 a.m. near the parking lot adjacent to the reconstructed Fort Vancouver, 1001 E. Fifth St.

The other walking tours:

• June 23, Spruce Mill Trail, observing the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I.

• July 28, Barracks Walk, learning about the past, present and future of the East Vancouver Barracks and Parade Ground.

• Aug. 25, Visitor Center Walk, exploring historical notes such as the U.S. Army’s Vancouver Arsenal, the story of Japanese castaways at Fort Vancouver and the site’s maritime history.

Dogs on the tour should be friendly with other dogs and people, licensed and up to date on vaccines. Participants must bring waste bags, food and water as necessary, and a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Tours may be rescheduled because of weather: Check www.nps.gov/fova, or the park’s Facebook or Twitter pages for updates.

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Columbian Science, Military & History Reporter