Interpretive Naturalist Certification Program of Alaska

Opportunities - Standard 3

Please note: The events listed below are either opportunities for INCPA credit that are available on an ongoing basis or individual events such as workshops that are regularly offered by INCPA partner organizations. There are no specific dates. For specific information, please contact the organizations listed.

This is by no means a complete list of community opportunities available for INCPA credit. The opportunities listed here are, for the most part, those offered by the INCPA partners. There may be additional training opportunities within the larger community. It is up to participants in this program to fulfill category components outlined in the Certification Standards. Remember to contact the INCPA partner organizations regularly, and continue to consult local newspapers, community calendars and bulletin boards, local organizations' newsletters and web sites, and university course listings.

Some Additional Sources:
Join the "What's up" events server list. Contact Peg Tileston at pegt@gci.net
University of Alaska Anchorage calendar of events: www.uaa.alaska.edu

 III. Science Knowledge

Required Workshop - Alaska Natural History

Either workshop listed below fulfills this requirement.

Alaska Pacific University Headwaters Institute Title: Alaska Natural History Symposium This symposium is presented by Alaska Pacific University and the Headwaters Institute. Topics will cover the full range of interpretive possibilities, from flora and fauna to ancient and recent human history. The focus of the Symposium is to bring outdoor professional, educators, students, and the interested public together and to learn about Alaska's natural wonders and marvels. Food and live music will be provided. College credit is available. NOTE: If you have already fulfilled this requirement, you may apply portions of the workshop toward the general Science Knowledge requirements. You may not apply the same event to both requirements. There is a fee for this event. Registration is required. When: April/May Where: Spring Creek Farm, Palmer, Alaska Who to contact: Paul Twardock, APU, 564-8254 Email: laskanaturalhistory@yahoo.com

Eagle River Nature Center Title: Naturalist Training The Fall Natural History Workshop will take place at the Eagle River Nature Center on two consecutive Sundays: Part 1 Animals:Naturalists Ute Olsson and Giselle Bergeron will present this workshop on our local Alaskan Natural History. Part 1 covers how to lead an interpretive nature walk, and then focuses on Alaskan mammals, birds, freshwater aquatic animals, and insects. Cost is $25, free for Interpretive Naturalist Certification Program of Alaska (INCPA) candidates. Part 2: Plants & Ecology: Naturalist Ute Olsson will present this workshop on our local Alaskan Natural History. Part 2 briefly reviews how to lead an interpretive nature walk, and then focuses on plant communities, ecology, geology and soils of the Eagle River Valley. Cost is $25, free for Interpretive Naturalist Certification Program of Alaska (INCPA) candidates. This is a required workshop for all INCPA candidates. $25/day for non-INCPA candidates who wish to attend. Registration is required. Register at 694-2108 or by email at info@ernc.org (Please confirm your registration with a telephone call if response to your e-mail is not received within one week). Please bring your own lunch. When: Part 1 - Sunday, September 16, 2007; 10 am - 4 pm and Part 2 - Sunday, September 23, 2007; 10am - 4 pm Where: Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Road, Eagle River Who to contact: Asta Spurgis, Eagle River Nature Center, 694-2108 Email: info@ernc.org

Science Training

Alaska Native Plant Society Title: Lectures and Field Trips Lectures are once monthly during the school year and are one hour long. Field trips are throughout the summer and times vary. Topics are in the life sciences. When: Various dates Where: Various locations Who to contact: Frank Pratt, 333-8212 or frank@alaskakrafts.com	Anchorage Waterways Council Title: Stream Walks These hour long walks may focus on either the life, earth or physical sciences. When: Various times Where: Various locations   Who to contact: Holly Kent, Executive Director Anchorage Waterways Council P.O. Box 241774 Anchorage, Alaska 99524-1774 PHONE: 272-7335 EMAIL: holly@anchoragecreeks.org FAX: 277-9207
Anchorage Waterways Council Title: Teacher Trainings These 6 hour trainings are designed for educators seeking more knowledge about watershed topics. Topics may include the life, earth or physical sciences. When: Various times Where: Various locations Who to contact:  Holly Kent, Executive Director Anchorage Waterways Council P.O. Box 241774 Anchorage, Alaska 99524-1774 PHONE: 272-7335 EMAIL: holly@anchoragecreeks.org FAX: 277-9207	Anchorage Waterways Council Title: Bioassessment Training This 6-8 hour training focuses on assessing creek health by sampling aquatic invertebrates. Topics covered include the life sciences. This is run in cooperation with the Environment and Natural Resources Institute of UAA. Participants must commit to monitoring. When: Various dates Where: Various locations Who to contact:  Holly Kent, Executive Director Anchorage Waterways Council P.O. Box 241774 Anchorage, Alaska 99524-1774 PHONE: 272-7335 EMAIL: holly@anchoragecreeks.org FAX: 277-9207
Anchorage Waterways Council Title: Water Quality Monitoring Training This 12 hour training focuses on chemical and physical assessments. Topics covered include the life and physical sciences. Participants must commit to one year of monthly monitoring. When: Various dates Where: Various locations Who to contact: Holly Kent, Executive Director Anchorage Waterways Council P.O. Box 241774 Anchorage, Alaska 99524-1774 PHONE: 272-7335 EMAIL: holly@anchoragecreeks.org FAX: 277-9207	BLM Campbell Creek Science Center Title: Fireside Chats Lecture Series These free, 1 1/2 hour lectures focus on the life sciences. Scientists speak on their research on Alaskan animals and other topics. When: Monthly during the school year, 3rd Wednesday of the month. Where: BLM Campbell Creek Science Center 6865 Abbott Loop Road Who to contact: Call the CCSC front desk at 267-1247
BLM Campbell Creek Science Center Title: Mid-Summer Night's Science Series: These programs run in the summer. They are family-oriented and free. Scientists and naturalists demonstrate the materials and methods used in their research providing a hands-on opportunity for participants. When: Wednesday evenings in the Summer from 7 - 9 pm. Where: BLM Campbell Creek Science Center 6865 Abbott Loop Road Who to contact: Call the CCSC front desk at 267-1247	Eagle River Nature Center Title: Natural History Walks and Field Trips: Topics focus on the life sciences and average 2 hours for the walks. Field trips are often overnight. When: Various dates Where: Eagle River Nature Center 32750 Eagle River Road, Eagle River Who to contact: Asta Spurgis, Eagle River Nature Center, 694-2108 Email: info@ernc.org
Eagle River Nature Center Title: Lectures 1 1/2 hour lectures cover a variety of scientific topics. When: Various dates Where: Eagle River Nature Center 32750 Eagle River Road, Eagle River Who to contact: Asta Spurgis, Eagle River Nature Center, 694-2108 Email: info@ernc.org	National Audubon Society Title: Field Trips Trip times vary and include topics in the life sciences. When:Various dates Where:Various locations Who to contact: Sirena Brownlee, 952-5461 or sirena.brownlee@hdrinc.com
University of Alaska, Anchorage Title: Graduate and Research Lectures Lectures cover a variety of science topics at a university level. When: Various dates Where: UAA campus, various locations Who to contact: Biology Dept., 786-4770; Physics/Astronomy Dept., 786-1238; Geology Dept., 786-6840; Environment and Natural Resources Institute, 257-2700.	University of Alaska, Anchorage Title: UAA/UAF Spring Lecture Series Topics may include the life, physical and earth sciences.   When:Winter/Spring Where:Loussac Library Who to contact: Lincoln Garrick, 786-4072 or afllg@uua.alaska.edu