National Public Lands Day 2011 Fun for All!
National Public Lands Day gives people all across the country the opportunity to put their hands to work on projects to benefit public lands. Participants also learn more about natural resource management and the need for shared stewardship of these lands.
We had fabulous weather and turn-out for NPLD 2011 at the Campbell Creek Science Center. Approximately 135 hard-working volunteers performed a variety of trail projects on Campbell Tact, along with an additional 35 on Far North Bicentennial Park. An additional 300 showed up for the afternoon Open House.
Volunteers installed signs on the airstrip, trails, and facilities; installed a 250-foot gravel trail from the Campbell Airstrip Trailhead to the mushing bridge; extended Salmon Run Trail by 150 feet to safely cross the trail leading to the mushing bridge; spread gravel on approximately 500 feet of Moose Track Trail; replaced old plastic fencing with new snow fencing along Salmon Run Trail and around the Campbell Airstrip Trailhead bridge, and also added new snow fence to discourage social trailing.
In addition, volunteers removed overgrown vegetation, painted 30 bollards, and installed safety reflectors; performed beautification projects around the Science Center, including painting a concrete wall on the building, winterizing the grounds, gardening, and tidying around the building's outer sheds; and collected native seeds for later germination and transplanting. Volunteers also dug out infestations of invasive bird cherry trees and Canada thistle.
After the work was done, the volunteers gathered for pizza and refreshments provided by the Friends of the Campbell Creek Science Center. Volunteers received NPLD t-shirts and Let’s Move Outside water bottles. We also gave away 13 door prizes donated from local businesses, including a two-night stay at the Alpine Creek Lodge.
In the afternoon visitors were encouraged to visit a variety of outdoor activity stations with the “Let’s Move Outside” theme. Activity stations included a climbing wall, knot tying, disc golf, running, favorite backyard games, Moms/Pops/Tots (activities for new parents and their infants and toddlers), nature treasure hunt, nature snapshot, archaeology, winterizing your bike, favorite outdoor places, and gold panning. Visitors were able to earn prizes. They also enjoyed live music by two high school bands playing a variety of blue grass, jazz, and swing. The Friends group provided refreshments and healthy snacks for all.
BLM Extends Special Thanks to Our Event Partners:
Alaska Health Fair, Inc. • Alaska Native Plant Society • Anchorage Park Foundation
Carpe Discus • Friends of the Campbell Creek Science Center
Girl Scouts of the USA • Municipality of Anchorage
National Environmental Education Foundation
Recreational Equipment, Inc. • Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc.
BLM Extends Special Thanks to Our Event Contributors:
Alpine Creek Lodge • Costco • Dino’s Donuts • FredMeyer
Great Harvest Bread Company • Kaladi Brothers Coffee
Moose’s Tooth Pub and Pizzeria • Public Lands Foundation
Recreational Equipment, Inc. • Sam’s Club
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