Midsummer Night's Science Series
Come discover the natural wonders of Campbell Tract, Anchorage’s wild backyard. Interact with local professionals and discover the processes of science and natural resource management. These family-friendly, hands-on workshops are free and open to the public. All programs begin at 7:00 pm. For more information, please call 267-1247.
PLEASE NOTE: Most Midsummer Night's Science Series programs are conducted in part or entirely outdoors, often taking us across uneven ground and through brush. Please dress appropriately: long pants, sturdy shoes, layers, a hat, and rain gear (if warranted). Also bring insect repellent and sunscreen if you want it.
JUNE 11 The Bear Necessities Join Elizabeth Manning of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for information on staying safe in bear country this summer. She will share natural history information about bears as well as techniques for avoiding and managing bear encounters.
JUNE 18 Forests for the Future
What kinds of forests cover the Alaskan landscape? What makes them different? And what does it take to manage these forests? Come learn the answers to these and many other questions about forests and forest management from Martha Welbourn and Matt Weaver of the Alaska Division of Forestry. Afterward we'll go into the woods to learn how to collect information about the forests just like real foresters.
JUNE 25 Invasive Weeds
It's invasive weeds awareness week in Alaska. Come find out more about the growing problems these plants present from Jeff Heys of the National Park Service. You’ll learn about the common invasive plants in this area. Then you’ll meet some of them first hand as he leads us on a short walk to see—and pull—weeds on Campbell Tract.
JULY 9 Where the Wild Things Are
Join wildlife biologist Jessy Coltrane of Alaska Department of Fish and Game to learn how scientists use radio telemetry to track the movements and activities of wildlife. You’ll also discover how Fish and Game uses this technology to study various wildlife species around the state and some of the things they’ve learned by using it. We'll even go outside and try out some radio telemetry equipment.
JULY 16 Favorite Backyard Insects Learn more about the world’s most diverse group of animals from Michael Rasy of the UAF Cooperative Extension Service. We’ll discover the characteristics insects share and then hunt for insects in the woods and fields of Campbell Tract.
JULY 23 Ravens If you’ve spent any time in Alaska you’re sure to have seen ravens. These birds are the biggest songbirds and one of the most widely distributed birds in the world. Come meet a captive raven up close and learn more about these intelligent birds from Deann Sabol of the Bird Treatment and Learning Center.
JULY 30 Geocaching
AUGUST 6 Stories in the Soil Soil influences all aspects of our lives. We grow our food in it, our water is filtered by it, and we build our homes and roads on it. The soil underfoot also speaks volumes about the natural history and plant communities of an area. Learn more about what soils can tell you from Mark Clark of the National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) who will give us an introduction to soils and then take us out to dig some soil pits.
AUGUST 13 Volcanoes
Alaska is home to over 130 volcanoes that have been active within the last two million years. Of these volcanoes, about 90 have been active within the last 10,000 years and more than 50 have been active within historical time (in the last 250 years or so)! Join Jennifer Adleman, a U. S. Geological Survey geologist at the Alaska Volcano Observatory, to learn more about what makes these dramatic features on our landscape tick and how scientists use information from the ash they spew out to help reduce the threats eruptions pose to people. Afterward she'll show us how to collect samples of volcanic ash.
AUGUST 20 Mushroom Fair
Come have fun learning about fungi. Local mushroom enthusiasts will share their knowledge about mushrooms through posters, discussion, and specimens from all over Southcentral Alaska. Bring specimens from your own backyard to identify!
A Naturalist's Introduction
Interested in learning more about Alaska’s plants, animals, and other living things? Wish you had the skills to observe and record the things you see outside? Want to meet others with similar interests and discover community resources to further develop your knowledge and skills? Then this adult class may be for you!
This class is open to anyone 18 years or older interested learning basic naturalist skills.
Program runs on Tuesday evenings in July from 6:30-9:15 pm.
Class size is limited. Pre-registration by June 27th is required. Class fee applies ($85/series).
Please call 267-1247 for more information.
