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 (CCSC) 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.
Activity Calendar
- May
Thursday, May 1, 6–7 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 a CCSC naturalist 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.
Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. - noon I Backcountry First Aid for Your Dog
Learn some basic first aid for your outdoor adventure pup(s)! An experienced vet and vet tech from Anchorage Veterinary Clinic and Urgent Care will help prepare you for some of the most common dog injuries you may encounter in the backcountry. They will give you advice on what to bring, teach you to determine the level of urgent professional care needed, and more.
The cost includes one small first aid kit. This event is $50/ person; register at Recreation.gov. Please leave your dog(s) at home for this event.
Thursday, May 22 & 29, 6:30–8:30 a.m. I Early Morning Bird Walks
It's spring migration time! Join Bureau of Land Management naturalists and Anchorage Audubon Society birders to look for birds on Campbell Tract. This is a mixed spruce-birch forest with a riparian zone. It's a stellar place to look for American Dippers, Three-toed Woodpeckers, Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, Yellow Warblers, and more! There will be time at the end to reflect on what birds we saw and what new bird calls we learned over hot chocolate and tea.
Bird walks are open to all skill levels. Binoculars are provided, if needed. Dress for the weather.
This program is free and open to the public.
Thursday, May 22, 10–11:30 a.m. I Time Outside Together (TOTs): Birds
TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Chirp! Tweet, Peep! Our feathered friends are back! Discover what makes birds a bird, where they live, and what they eat. This event is $5/family; register at Recreation.gov.
Friday, May 23, 10–noon I Public: Junior Ranger: Birds of a Feather
Calling all Junior Rangers! Let’s go on an adventure and learn about birds! We will sing with the birds, enjoy a bird beak buffet, and practice our bird ID skills.
Junior Ranger programs are for children ages 5-10. Every child must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. This event is $8/child; register at Recreation.gov.
Tuesday, May 27 & 29, 6:30–8:30 p.m. I Trees to Wood Workshop: How Trees Grow & Wood Properties
Trees dominate our landscapes and inspire us with their grandeur. They grow to inspiring heights and live to great ages. Yet, they all start from a tiny seed. Do you ever wonder how they grow?
We will explore the growth process and learn how the cambium layers, an important part of growth, make new wood and bark. Students will learn about growth rings, heartwood, and how conifers differ from broadleaf trees. Each tree species produces unique wood characteristics, and we will investigate some of the more common types, mainly oak and pine.
First Session: Introduction to the basics of secondary woody growth (how trees grow, cambium layers including the bark and wood)
Second Session: Characteristics of wood (hardness, grain, cuts, and uses)
Please bring a hand lens, a writing utensil, and a notebook if you have one.
Cindy Johnson, a retired biology professor and award-winning instructor, teaches this workshop in partnership with the Alaska Native Plant Society.
This event is $10/participant for both sessions; register at Recreation.gov.
- June
Tuesday, June 3, 1–3 p.m. I Trailhead Naturalist
As you’re walking, bicycling, or enjoying your day on Campbell Tract trails, stop by our table to learn something new about the nature around us. Stay as long as your curiosity desires.
Our instructors will be at the CCSC or CAT parking lots. Topics will change throughout the summer, so check back each time you pass by. This event is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, June 4 & 18, 10–11:30 a.m. I Time Outside Together: Bug Safari
Insects can be found in all sorts of places! Join us this month on a bug safari and look for bugs in the natural world. TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers.
This event is $5 per family; register at Recreation.gov
Wednesday, June 11, 6–7:30 p.m. I Let's Go Outdoors! Exploring Public Lands with the Whole Family
Summer is here! If you want to have safe and fun outdoor adventures with your whole family but don't know where to start or just need inspiration, we can help. Join us for some EPIC tips on where to go, what gear you need, and how to stay in good spirits.
Panelist Talk—Learn from Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service parents how they take their kids backpacking, biking, fishing, boating, and more!
Meet other families, find out what you have in common, and maybe even plan your next outdoor adventure playdate.
This talk is geared for all families regardless of experience in the outdoors or ages of kids. Whether you take your family to the local park or have gone camping a few times, this event is for you!
There will be snacks, but you're welcome to bring your food.
We're adventure-ready! Let's go outdoors!
This event is free and open to the public.
Thursday, June 12, 10–11 a.m. I Wildflower Walk
Each summer, the boreal forest transforms into a lush and colorful landscape of plants and flowers. Join a CCSC naturalist on a wildflower walk! Discover which plants are blooming, explore plant adaptations, and learn basic skills to identify common plants. This event is $5; Register at Recreation.gov
Thursday, June 12, 6–7 p.m. I Bear Aware
The bears are awake! We live in bear country, so if you're exploring the outdoors or hanging out in your backyard, it's essential to be bear aware. Learn about bears, how to keep them safe, and how to keep yourself safe.
There will be a hands-on opportunity to practice using an inert bear spray.
This event is free and open to the public.
Friday, June 20 & 27 , 10 a.m.–noon I Junior Ranger: Creek Explorers
Calling all Junior Rangers! Grab your boots and come explore Campbell Creek. Uncover aquatic insects and take scientific measurements to better understand the creek and the creatures that call it home. Junior Ranger programs are for children ages 5–10. Every child must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. This event is $8 /child; register at Recreation.gov
Saturday, June 21, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. I Butterfly Count
Since 1999, the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center has led an annual count as part of the North American Butterfly Association’s Butterfly Count Program. For the count, citizen scientists head out to look for butterflies to understand where they are and how many.
We'd love for you to join us as a citizen science volunteer. No experience required. However, flexibility is a MUST. Butterflies prefer to be counted on warm, sunny days. The count date is subject to change due to weather conditions. If you are interested, please email [email protected] to sign up for a volunteer orientation for more information.
This event is free and open to the public.
Wednesday, June 25, 10–11:30 a.m. I World War II and the Campbell Tract Walk
During World War II, the Army Corps of Engineers built four small airstrips in Southcentral Alaska, including one at Campbell Tract. While many old foxholes and airplane parking spots are now overgrown by trees, many interesting things exist to see. Join a CCSC naturalist for a walk to learn about WWII history of Campbell Tract and find hidden pieces of the past.
This event is $5 per person; register at Recreation.gov
Thursday, June 26, 6–7 p.m. I Bear Aware En Español
¡Los osos están despiertos! Vivimos en territorio de osos, así que, si estás explorando al aire libre o descansando en tu jardín, es fundamental estar alerta. Aprende sobre los osos de Alaska, cómo protegerlos y cómo mantenernos seguros. Explora las tierras públicas con confianza.
Habrá una oportunidad práctica para usar un spray para osos inerte.
This event is free and open to the public.
Public Programs
At the Campbell Creek Science Center (CCSC), we're committed to offering a wide range of engaging and educational programs. Our diverse monthly activity calendar is packed with programs that blend science, art, and culture. Whether you're into self-guided walks, guided hikes, toddler programs, art, journaling, or scientific lectures, we have something for everyone.
- Time Outside Together (TOTS)
BLM photo TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Discover a new topic each month through songs, games, and exploration. All programs include outside time to play and learn about the natural world around us.
Programs are $5 per family and occur 1-3 times a month. Please register for only one TOT program per month. The program repeats and changes only month to month. You can register for these programs on recreation.gov.
Check out the TOTs Nature Learning Resources for easy at-home activities you can do with your tots.
- Junior Ranger
BLM Photo Attention all Junior Rangers! Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey of discovery? Join our CCSC naturalists to complete thrilling outdoor investigations and earn your very own Junior Ranger badge. It's a fun and educational experience you won't want to miss!
Junior Ranger programs are for children ages 5-10. An Adult must be present for the duration of the program. The cost is $8 per child; register at recreation.gov.
- Guided Hikes
BLM Photo Join CCSC naturalists to learn more about the natural environment around us. Learn about wildflowers, WWII Campbell Tract History, birds, and more during the spring and summer months.
During the snowy months, we'll put on snowshoes or ice grippers and explore the trails. Bring your snowshoes/ ice grippers or borrow a pair from us. All experience levels are welcome.
- Scientific Lecture Series
BLM Graphic Fireside Chats
Fireside Chats programs feature local experts who help us to understand Alaska's unique culture, ecology, outdoor opportunities, and more. Starting in October, we gather each third Wednesday of the month through April. Local experts and scientists share knowledge about current research and projects. This event is free, open to the public, and occurs at the Campbell Creek Science Center.
- Workshops
Workshops take place year-round, and topics depend on local experts and speakers. Workshops we've held in the past:
- Backcountry Dog First Aid
- Wildflower ID
- Grow Your Own Story
- Leave No Trace
- Exploring Our Wild Kinship
- Howl-o-Ween
Have any idea for a workshop? Let us know at [email protected]