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 Rec.gov.
Call 907-267-1247 or email us with questions.
Public Programs and Events
- Junior Ranger
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Calling all junior rangers! Curious what salmon have to do with tree growth? Want to get to know Alaska’s trees better? Interested in investigating the signs animals leave behind? These programs are for you! Junior Rangers learn about public lands and how to explore and protect them. Join CCSC naturalists to complete fun outdoor investigations and earn your Junior Ranger badge. For kids ages 5-9.
- Fireside Chat
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Our monthly slide lecture series runs from October through April (typically the third Wednesday of the month) and features a different science, natural resources, or outdoor recreation topic each month. Programs begin at 7 p.m.
- Midsummer Night's Science Series
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Our summer series programs occur once a month on Wednesdays from May through August. Participants learn about science and natural resource management through a combination of lecture and experiential activities. Programs begin at 7 p.m.
- Time Outside Together (TOTS)
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A group of toddlers work with an instructor to examine their surroundings. TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a free, hands-on nature program for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers. Check out the TOTs Nature Learning Resources for easy at-home activities you can do with your tots.
Monthly Events
- June
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June 1, 6:30 - 8:30 PM | Take a Hike!
Celebrate National Trails Day with a hike with CCSC naturalists! Stretch your legs and get your heart pumping as we follow a 3.1-mile 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.
June 6, 13, 20, 27 | 12:00 - 12:45 PM | Nature Break
Take a quick nature break each Tuesday this month! Join a CCSC naturalist for a noontime dive into wildflowers, trees, creek insects, and more. Topic changes each week. Programs will be conducted partially or entirely outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. Group may walk over uneven ground for as much as 0.75 miles.
These events are free and open to the public.
June 7, 7:00 - 8:00 PM | Midsummer Night's Science Series: Be Bear Aware
The bears are up! Do you know how to behave in bear country? Learn about bears and ways to be safe. Find out about bear spray and practice using it! Gain knowledge and experience to make you more comfortable on all your outdoor adventures.
This event is free and open to the public.
June 9, 15 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM | Time Outside Together (TOTs) - Growing Plants
TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. This month, explore how plants grow through a variety of activities.
These events are free and open to the public.
Pre-registration required at https://totsccsc.eventbrite.com. Please register for only one TOTs program per month. The program repeats and changes only month to month.
June 11, 1:30 - 3:30 PM | Nature Sketching
Anyone can draw like a naturalist. All you need is paper, a pencil, a natural setting, and a little bit of patience. Nature sketching focuses on observing the natural world and recording what you see. Artist and CCSC instructor, Abby, will guide you to sharpen your eye and practice your drawing techniques. There will be a short drawing lesson and warm-up followed by outdoor sketching time. This session we focus on observation and comprehension: how to look at the big picture before the details.
Please bring your own favorite sketchbook and drawing tool. Basic paper and pencils will also be available. Optional: bring a camping chair for outside sketching.
All skill levels welcome. Multiple sessions each month this summer; register for as many or as few as you like.
This event is $10 per person. Registration is required.
Register for this in-person program on Rec.gov!
June 15, 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Poungawai: A Digital River
“ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au.”
“I am the river and the river is me.” (Whanganui proverb)
Special Guest Speakers from New Zealand will share ways they combine traditional ecological knowledge, scientific data, and digital technology to create dynamic moving artworks! Dr. Vincent (Billy) van Uitregt and Cecelia Kumeroa of Te Herenga Waka University of Wellington will talk about the Poungawai project, which unites Māori design and concepts of mana and mauri with scientific data from the Whanganui River. Afterward, they’ll lead an art workshop that explores how projects like this can forge answers to environmental challenges, including those in Alaska.
This event is free and open to the public.
June 21, 1:00 - 2:30 PM | Wildflower Discovery Hike
Each summer the boreal forest transforms into a lush and colorful landscape of plants and flowers. Join naturalist Julie on a wildflower discovery hike. Learn skills to identify common plants, discover plant adaptations, and explore why flowers matter.
This event is $5 per person. Registration is required.
Register for this in-person program on Rec.gov!
June 21, 6:30 - 8:00 PM | Nature Nerd Convos: Do Mosquitoes Suck?
Once a month this summer, nerd out on ecological topics and figure out together with fellow audience members the question of the night: Do mosquitoes suck? This is a fun, interactive event with a brief talk on mosquito biology, followed by scientific activities, and discussion.
This event is $5 per person. Registration is required.
Register for this in-person program on Rec.gov!
June 22, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Junior Ranger: Creeks
Calling all Junior Rangers! Grab your boots and come explore Campbell Creek. Trap fish, identify aquatic macroinvertebrates, and take some scientific measurements to better understand the creek environment. Junior Ranger programs are for children ages 5-9 years old. Every child must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
This event is $5 per child. Registration is required.
Register for this in-person program on Rec.gov!
June 22, 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Nature Sketching
Anyone can draw like a naturalist. All you need is paper, a pencil, a natural setting, and a little bit of patience. Nature sketching focuses on observing the natural world and recording what you see. Artist and CCSC instructor, Abby, will guide you to sharpen your eye and practice your drawing techniques. There will be a short drawing lesson and warm-up followed by outdoor sketching time. This session we focus on observation and comprehension: how to look at the big picture before the details.
Please bring your own favorite sketchbook and drawing tool. Basic paper and pencils will also be available. Optional: bring a camping chair for outside sketching.
All skill levels welcome. Multiple sessions each month this summer; register for as many or as few as you like.
This event is $10 per person. Registration is required.
Register for this in-person program on Rec.gov!
June 28, 12:00 - 1:30 PM | The Big World of Small Beasts
Take a micro hike and explore the world from a bug's eye view! We will take bug nets, hand lenses, and viewing boxes to explore the insect world up close and talk about how the things that often go unseen influence the larger world that we do see.
This event is $5 per person. Registration is required.
Register for this in-person program on Rec.gov!
June 30, 10:00 - 11:00 AM | Outdoor Walks and Learning for Seniors (O.W.L.S.)
OWLS, Outdoor Walks and Learning for Seniors, is a program for active, inquisitive seniors. Join a CCSC naturalist for an outdoor walk that emphasizes exercise and includes nuggets of nature learning.
This event is free and open to the public.
- July
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July 6, 18 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM | Time Outside Together (TOTs) - Creek Explorers
TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. This month, explore all about creeks!
These events are free and open to the public.
Pre-registration required at https://totsccsc.eventbrite.com. Please register for only one TOTs program per month. The program repeats and changes only month to month.
July 11, 18, 25 | 12:00 - 12:45 PM | Nature Break
Take a quick nature break each Tuesday this month! Join a CCSC naturalist for a noontime dive into wildflowers, trees, creek insects, and more. Topic changes each week. Programs will be conducted partially or entirely outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. Group may walk over uneven ground for as much as half a mile.
These events are free and open to the public.
July 12, 7:00 - 8:00 PM | Midsummer Night's Science Series: Salmon!
Join Katelyn Zonneville of Alaska Department of Fish and Game to find out all about salmon. Get an inside look at salmon (literally!). Learn about salmon life cycles and the changes the fish undergo as they move from freshwater to saltwater and back again. Walk to the creek and discover how to tell young salmon apart.
This event is free and open to the public.
July 13, 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Nature Sketching
Anyone can draw like a naturalist. All you need is paper, a pencil, a natural setting, and a little bit of patience. Nature sketching focuses on observing the natural world and recording what you see. Artist and CCSC instructor, Abby, will guide you to sharpen your eye and practice your drawing techniques. There will be a short drawing lesson and warm-up followed by outdoor sketching time. This session we focus on seeing between the lines: negative space.
Please bring your own favorite sketchbook and drawing tool. Basic paper and pencils will also be available. Optional: bring a camping chair for outside sketching.
All skill levels welcome. Multiple sessions each month this summer; register for as many or as few as you like.
This event is $10 per person. Registration is required.
Register for this in-person program on Rec.gov!
July 14, 28 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM | Outdoor Walks and Learning for Seniors (O.W.L.S.)
OWLS, Outdoor Walks and Learning for Seniors, is a program for active, inquisitive seniors. Join a CCSC naturalist for an outdoor walk that emphasizes exercise and includes nuggets of nature learning.
These events are free and open to the public.
July 16, 1:30 - 3:00 PM | Discovery Hike: Presence in Nature
Cast off your stress and deepen your awareness of your natural surroundings as we explore the trails together. You will use your senses and a variety of mindfulness techniques to stop, listen, and feel your innate connection to the beautiful natural world around us.
The program is designed for all ages and will be held outside regardless of the weather so please dress accordingly. Writing paper and pencils will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring your own journals, notebooks, or sketchpads and drawing pencils if you have them.
This event is $5 per person. Registration is required.
Register for this in-person program on Rec.gov!
July 19, 1:00 - 2:30 PM | Wildflower Discovery Hike
Each summer the boreal forest transforms into a lush and colorful landscape of plants and flowers. Join naturalist Julie on a wildflower discovery hike. Learn skills to identify common plants, discover plant adaptations, and explore why flowers matter.
This event is $5 per person. Registration is required.
Register for this in-person program on Rec.gov!
July 19, 6:30 - 7:30 PM | Cómo Evitar Incidentes con Osos
Avistamientos de osos es una de las experiencias más increíbles en Alaska. Atienda esta sesión informativa para aprender sobre los osos y qué hacer si se encuentra con uno. Incluso tendrá la oportunidad de practicar usando el spray para osos. Gratis. Parte de la celebración de la Semana de Conservación Latina.
July 20, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Junior Ranger: Wildland Fire
Calling all Junior Rangers! Explore the natural cycle of wildland fire and learn what it’s like to be a wildland firefighter. Junior Ranger programs are for children ages 5-9 years old. Every child must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
This event is $5 per child. Registration is required.
Register for this in-person program on Rec.gov!
July 20, 6:30 - 8:00 PM | Nature Nerd Convos: What's That Smell?
Once a month this summer, nerd out on ecological topics and figure out together with fellow audience members the question of the night: What is that smell? This is a fun, interactive event with a 20-minute talk on aromatic chemical compounds found in plants and in the soil, scientific activities, and discussion.
This event is $5 per person. Registration is required.
Register for this in-person program on Rec.gov!
July 27, 7:00 - 8:30 PM | Birch Tree Paintings
Enjoy a fun evening creating watercolors of birch trees and learning more about Alaska Paper Birch (Betula neoalaskana). This delightful tree is native to Alaska and northern Canada. The art technique is simple and produces beautiful results no matter your experience level.
This event is $5 per person. Registration is required.
Register for this in-person program on Rec.gov!
July 30, 1:30 - 3:00 PM | The Secret Lives of Trees
Discover the secret lives of trees on this walk in the woods with a CCSC naturalist. Explore different tree species, meet other woody plants, and find out the many ways trees are connected to other living things.
This event is $5 per person. Registration is required.
- August
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August 1, 8, 15 | 12:00 - 12:45 PM | Nature Break
Take a quick nature break! Join a CCSC naturalist for a noontime dive into wildflowers, trees, creek insects, and more. Topic changes each week. Programs will be conducted partially or entirely outdoors, so be sure to dress for the weather. Group may walk over uneven ground for as much as 0.75 miles.
These events are free and open to the public.
August 2, 12:00 - 1:30 PM | The Big World of Small Beasts
Take a micro hike and explore the world from a bug's eye view! We will take bug nets, hand lenses, and viewing boxes to explore the insect world up close and talk about how the things that often go unseen influence the larger world that we do see.
This event is $5 per person. Registration is required.
Register for this in-person program on Rec.gov!
August 3, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Junior Ranger: Tree-mendous Trees
Calling all Junior Rangers! Come be a tree scientist! Take a walk through the forest and use all your senses and a variety of tools to learn about Alaskan trees. Learn to identify the different types of trees that live here and figure out how they affect other living things around them. Junior Ranger programs are for children ages 5-9 years old. Every child must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
This event is $5 per child. Registration is required.
Register for this in-person program on Rec.gov!
August 9, 6:30 - 8:00 PM | Nature Nerd Convos: Anthropomorphism
Once a month this summer, nerd out on ecological topics and figure out together with fellow audience members the question of the night: How does anthropomorphism affect how we see the world? This is a fun, interactive event with a 20-minute talk on our relationship with the natural world, scientific activities, and discussion.
This event is $5 per person. Registration is required.
Register for this in-person program on Rec.gov!
August 10, 22 | 10:00 - 11:30 AM | Time Outside Together (TOTs) - Insects
TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers. This month spend time with your TOT in the natural world and look for insects.
These events are free and open to the public.
Pre-registration required at https://totsccsc.eventbrite.com. Please register for only one TOTs program per month. The program repeats and changes only month to month.
August 11, 25 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM | Outdoor Walks and Learning for Seniors (O.W.L.S.)
OWLS, Outdoor Walks and Learning for Seniors, is a program for active, inquisitive seniors. Join a CCSC naturalist for an outdoor walk that emphasizes exercise and includes nuggets of nature learning.
These events are free and open to the public.
August 16, 7:00 - 8:00 PM | Midsummer Night's Science Series: Weather in Southcentral Alaska
What drives the weather in Southcentral Alaska? Join meteorologists from the National Weather Service Anchorage Forecast Office for this interactive session. Learn about clouds, pressure systems, how to take weather observations, common weather phenomena we experience in Southcentral Alaska, and where you can find more information about your forecast.
This event is free and open to the public.
August 17, 6:00 - 8:00 PM | Nature Sketching
Anyone can draw like a naturalist. All you need is paper, a pencil, a natural setting, and a little bit of patience. Nature sketching focuses on observing the natural world and recording what you see. Artist and CCSC instructor, Abby, will guide you to sharpen your eye and practice your drawing techniques. There will be a short drawing lesson and warm-up followed by outdoor sketching time. This session focuses on the architecture of the forest: geometric shapes in biometric spaces.
Please bring your own favorite sketchbook and drawing tool. Basic paper and pencils will also be available. Optional: bring a camping chair for outside sketching.
All skill levels welcome. Multiple sessions each month this summer; register for as many or as few as you like.
This event is $10 per person. Registration is required.
Register for this in-person program on Rec.gov!
August 24, 6:00 - 7:30 PM | Discovery Hike: Presence in Nature
Cast off your stress and deepen your awareness of your natural surroundings as we explore the trails together. You will use your senses and a variety of mindfulness techniques to stop, listen, and feel your innate connection to the beautiful natural world around us.
The program is designed for all ages and will be held outside regardless of the weather so please dress accordingly. Writing paper and pencils will be provided. Attendees are encouraged to bring your own journals, notebooks, or sketchpads and drawing pencils if you have them.
This event is $5 per person. Registration is required.