Public Programs and Events

Are you curious to learn different ways to recreate on public lands? Do you want to deepen your knowledge of natural history or resource management? Or, slow down with a gentle self-guided mindfulness walk outdoors? Whatever your interest, the Campbell Creek Science Center has a program or experience for you! 

The Campbell Creek Science Center offers both virtual and in-person programs. View the monthly schedule below.

Register for all fee-based in-person programs at Recreation.gov

Note: Recreation.gov charges a $1 non-refundable fee for each program ticket. Using Recreation.gov enables the CCSC to offer a wide variety of public programs and events.

Call 907-267-1247 or email us with questions. 

 

 

 

 

Public Programs & Monthly Events

March

March 7, 10 – 11:30 a.m. I TOTs: Trees 

TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Make friends with aspen, birch, cottonwood, and spruce trees. Discuss and compare items by colors, textures, weights, shapes, and more.

This event is $5/family; register at Recreation.gov


March 8, 10 a.m. – noon I Junior Ranger: Iditarod

Calling all Junior Rangers! How much do you know about the Iditarod Trail?

Discover how sled dogs are amazingly adapted to cope with the challenging conditions on the Iditarod Trail. Junior Ranger programs are for children ages 5-10 years old.

Every child must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. This event is $8/child; register at Recreation.gov.


March 12 & 14, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. I Snowshoe Hike (all ages)

Two great opportunities to play in the snow before it’s all gone! Join us to explore winter’s beauty by snowshoe with a knowledgeable CCSC naturalist! Look for animal signs and discover how life in the boreal forest copes with winter.

This is a family-friendly program. Children must be accompanied by at least one adult caregiver for the duration of the program. Participants travel off trail across uneven, snow-covered ground.

Snowshoes provided—or bring your own. Notify CCSC in advance of any special needs or requirements.

This program takes place almost entirely outdoors. This event is $5/person, register at Recreation.gov


March 13, 10 a.m. – noon I Junior Ranger: Animal Tracking

Calling all Junior Rangers! Join us from 10 a.m. - noon on Wed., March 13 and use observation skills to decipher tricky clues that animals leave behind as they move and live in the forest.

Junior Ranger programs are for children ages 5-10 years old. Every child must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.

This event is $8/child; register at Recreation.gov


March 20, 7– 8 p.m. I Fireside Chat Series: Co-producing Knowledge in Northern Alaska 

Join us by the fire every third Wednesday of the month to gain a deeper understanding of Alaska’s unique cultural resources, ecology, recreational opportunities, and more.

This month learn how co-production of knowledge with Alaska communities and Alaska Native peoples leads to the protection of wildlife and Alaska’s wild places.

This event is free and open to the public.  


March 29, 6 – 8 p.m. I Grow Your Own Story: Strategies and Techniques to Refine Your Outdoor Writing 

Join Lisa Maloney, an award-winning author and freelance travel/outdoors writer based in Anchorage, for a two-hour workshop on taking the seeds of any outdoor experience and turning it into a story.

This workshop is for anybody with an interest in outdoor writing at any level. You will have opportunities to read, write, listen, share, and expand your repertoire of story-building techniques.

Lisa Maloney got her start as an outdoors columnist for the Anchorage Press and the Anchorage Daily News. More recently, her work has appeared in National Geographic, Condé Nast Traveler, the New Zealand Herald, Fodor's Travel, Discover Silversea, and many more. Lisa has written three guidebooks, including "Day Hiking Southcentral Alaska" and "Moon Alaska," and received five Excellence in Craft awards from the Northwest Outdoor Writers Association and a Silver Award from the North American Travel Journalists Association.

Come with an outdoor experience in mind or create your own by spending some time outside during the workshop. (Please dress for the weather!)

This event is $35/person; register at Recreation.gov

April

April 5, 10 – 11:30 a.m. I OWLS Walk

OWLS, Outdoor Walks and Learning for Seniors, is a program for active, inquisitive seniors. Join a CCSC naturalist for an outdoor walk emphasizing exercise with nuggets of nature learning.

This event is free and open to the public. 


April 11, 10 – 11:30 a.m. I TOTs: Bears

TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

This month, learn more about bears and bear safety through song, exploration, and a woodland walk.

This event is $5/family; register at Recreation.gov


April 17, 7 – 8 p.m. I Fireside Chat Speaker Series: Backyard Insect Ecology 

Join us for our LAST Fireside Chat of the season to gain a deeper understanding of Alaska’s unique cultural resources, ecology, recreational opportunities, and more.

This month learn about the BIG diversity of some of Alaska’s smallest wildlife–the insects—with Alex Wenninger, from University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service.

This event is free and open to the public.  


April 19, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.  I Junk Journaling

We're getting creatively crafty and repurposing "junk" at the Campbell Creek Science Center. Join us and tap into your brain's right hemisphere - where creativity dominates!

Participants will learn the basic techniques of junk journaling and create one of their very own - perfect for nature journaling, field sketching, or any number of possibilities.

Bring unwanted craft supplies to share or use ours.

For ages 12 and up. This event is $25/person; register at Recreation.gov


April 19, 10 a.m. – noon I Junior Ranger: Bears

Calling all Junior Rangers! It’s time to yawn, stretch and wiggle those toes! The bears are waking up.

Join us from 10 a.m. to noon on April 19 and discover bear adaptations and learn how to help keep bears wild through fun, energetic activities.

Junior Ranger programs are for children ages 5-10 years old. Every child must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. This event is $8/child; register at Recreation.gov


April 25, 12 – 1 p.m. & 7 – 8 p.m. I Virtual: Birding Basics

Birding is for everyone! Birding can inspire you to enjoy nature at a slower pace or ignite your competitive spirit. Tune into this virtual program for an introduction or refresher to birding as the migration season begins.

This event is free and open to the public.   

Noon Zoom Link

7 p.m. Zoom link


 

May

May 2, 7 – 8 p.m. I Birding Basics

The migratory birds are back! Tweet! Tweet! Are you curious about which birds are singing those songs you hear?

Join BLM Campbell Creek Science Center Environmental Technician Julie Johnson and discover the joy of identifying the birds around you. Learn basic bird identification by sight and sound and pick up tips on using and choosing binoculars. You’ll also practice your new skills outside during the program.

This program is free and open to the public. 


May 9, 7 – 8 p.m. I MSNSS: Fighting Fire in Alaska

 It takes guts, smarts, and strength to fight wildland fire. It also takes coordination among multiple federal, state, and municipal agencies. Meet some of the people who fight fire in Alaska.

Hear how they organize firefighting to efficiently combat fire across an area one-fifth the size of the Lower 48. Check out some of the equipment they use, find out ways you can prevent wildland fires, and get tips on how to make your home safer from wildfires.

This event is free and open to the public.  


May 16, 23, & 30, 6:30 – 8:30 a.m. I Early Morning Bird Walks

Set your alarms early and join BLM scientists and Anchorage Audubon Society birders for May birding walks on Campbell Tract. Fine-tune your birding skills and witness the progression of songbirds on the forested trails.  

Dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them. All birding skill levels are welcome. 

This event is free and open to the public. 


May 18, 10 a.m. – noon I Backcountry First Aid for Your Dog

Heading into the backcountry means being prepared—for you and your canine companions.

An experienced veterinarian and veterinary technician from Anchorage Veterinary Clinic and Urgent Care will help prepare you for some of the most common backcountry hazards and canine injuries you may encounter while adventuring with your pet. Get advice on what to carry with you and learn tips on triaging your dog to determine how urgently veterinary care is needed.

Cost includes a small first aid kit of pet-specific items for you to take home.

Please leave your dog at home for this event. For people 18 years or older.

This event is $50/person; register at Recreation.gov.


May 24, 10 a.m.– noon I Junior Ranger: Birds

Calling all Junior Rangers! Birds, birds, birds! Let’s go on an adventure into the forest to learn about birds and see how many we can find.

Junior Ranger programs are for children ages 5-10 years old. Every child must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.

This event is $8/child; register at Recreation.gov.


May 30, 6:30 – 8 p.m.  I Take a Hike!

Celebrate National Trails Day with a hike with CCSC naturalists! Stretch your legs as we follow a 3-mile, mostly level loop of trails around the BLM Campbell Tract. 

Hike will happen no matter the weather, so dress appropriately. Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Bring water and snacks in a comfortable pack.

This event is free and open to the public.