Bureau of Land Management Environmental Education Homepage Feature of the Month

BLM-Alaska's "Backyard Discoveries" Program

Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is home to an amazing "wilderness within the city": BLM's Campbell Tract, which hosts the Campbell Creek Science Center and 730 acres of undeveloped public land. Its unique urban location and accessibility have made it a familiar and favorite spot for a variety of outdoor education and non-motorized recreation activities.

In 1993, the "Backyard Discoveries" program was begun when BLM education specialists, community volunteers, and partner organizations conducted inventories of Campbell Tract's plant, lichen, fungus, and breeding bird species. This successful collaboration and volunteer effort served as the basis for program expansion, and established a new method of educational outreach through public participation in on-going scientific studies. Backyard Discoveries aims to educate people about ecosystems and ecosystem functions, offers opportunities for the public to learn about scientific activities through hands-on participation, and promotes the importance of sound resource management based on accurate scientific information and environmental awareness and involvement.

For its participants, Backyard Discoveries has served to inspire curiosity and interest in the natural world. It continues to provide people of all ages and interests with opportunities to explore the local environment and make meaningful contributions to scientific discovery through their actions.

Take a Virtual "Backyard" Tour!
Can't get to Alaska, but want to know more about the natural wonders Alaskans have in their own backyard? Well, then, this virtual tour is for you! Along the way, you'll also learn how to use Backyard Discoveries to reveal the wonders in your own backyard -- wherever you may live. The tour begins now, and takes about 10 minutes . . . just a few slides and you'll be hooked! Click here to begin your trip!

Additional Text
Detailed Program Overview - includes activities, programs, participation requirements, and a description of the "Science in a Backpack" tool
Program Brochure and Campbell Creek Science Center Information - visitor information
Starting Your Own Backyard Discoveries Program

For additional information, please contact Jeff Brune of BLM's Campbell Creek Science Center, Backyard Discoveries Program, 6881 Abbott Loop Road, Anchorage, Alaska 99507, Tel.: (907) 267-1251, e-mail jbrune@ak.blm.gov.

Please also visit the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center homepage at:
http://www.ak.blm.gov/ado/ccscentr.html.

North American Association for Environmental Education homepage:
http://www.naaee.org.

This page was created by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Environmental Education & Volunteers Group, 1849 C Street, Room 406-LS, Washington, DC 20240. Send comments or questions relating to accessibilty of documents to Kevin_Flynn@blm.gov Number of visitors since July 15, 2003:[an error occurred while processing this directive]

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