Public Programs and Events

Participants in an early morning bird walk watching birds with binoculars

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.

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

Public Programs and Events

Junior Ranger

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 8-12.

Fireside Chat

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

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)

Alaska_CCSC_moms-pops-tots — 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

March

March 9, 7:00 - 8:00 PM | Eli A. Smith: The Curious Story of a Real Long-Distance Alaskan Musher of the Early 20th Century

Eli A. Smith and his dogs embarked on an amazing journey by sled from Nome, AK to Washington, D.C. in 1907. They reached their destination in one year, three months, and six days! But what happened along the way and afterwards is a very curious and unexpected story. Join Robert King, BLM Archaeologist, to hear Smith's story

This event is free and open to the public.

March 10, 10:00AM - 12:00 PM | Junior Ranger: Iditarod Sled Dogs

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. Play an interactive game about a sled dog adventure along the trail. This Junior Ranger program is 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.

March 14, 1:00 - 3:00 PM | Snowshoe Hike (all ages)

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 will travel off trail across uneven, snow-covered ground. Snowshoes provided—or bring your own. Notify CCSC in advance of any special needs or requirements you have. This program takes place almost entirely outdoors.

This event is $5. Registration is required.

March 15, 7:00 - 8:00 PM | Fireside Chat Series - BLM and the Federal Subsistence Program in Alaska

Did you know Alaska is the only state where federal land managers give subsistence use of fish and game the highest priority for consumptive use? Alaska Natives have relied on the traditional harvest of wild food for thousands of years and these activities are intertwined with Native culture, economies, and societies. Subsistence is also important to non-Native Alaskans who live in rural Alaska. Join Chris McKee, Subsistence Coordinator for BLM Alaska, to find out more about the federal subsistence management program and ways BLM works with other agencies and rural people to ensure the subsistence priority.

This event is free and open the public.

March 23, 10:00 - 11:30 AM | Time Outside Together (TOTs) - Trees

TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. It’s time to touch different textures at our monthly TOTs. Smooth, rough, tough, slimy! Sing songs, count to three, and more.

This event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required.

April

April 6, 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. Please bring your own favorite sketchbook and drawing tool. Basic paper and pencils will also be available.

This event is $10. Registration is required.

April 13, 10:00 - 11:30 AM | Time Outside Together (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 free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required.

April 19, 7:00 - 8:00 PM | Fireside Chat Series - Rivers, Rocks and Riparian Vegetation: Stream Reclamation in Alaska

BLM Alaska manages 87% of the stream and river habitats and 93% of the lake habitats on BLM public lands in the country. Join Matt Varner, BLM Aquatic Specialist, for a presentation on stream reclamation in Alaska. We'll cover the basics of collecting data to use in stream reclamation designs, how these projects get constructed, and the positive impacts of natural channel design reclamation for public lands in Alaska.

This event is free and open the public.

April 26, 7:00 - 8:00PM | Birding Basics (Virtual)

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

This virtual event is free and open to the public.

April 27, 7:00 - 8:00 PM | Sea Kayaking in Alaska (Virtual)

Are you interested in exploring Alaska’s coastal shorelines by sea kayak this summer? Join Brad, longtime CCSC instructor and avid kayaker, for this virtual program. Learn how to adventure into the tidal zone where no other boats can go, find out about the role of the kayak in Alaska’s history, and discover ways to get involved in this great sport.

This virtual event is free and open to the public.

April 28, 10:00AM - 12:00 PM | Junior Ranger: Bears

Calling all Junior Rangers! The bears are waking up. Discover bear adaptations and learn how to help keep bears wild through fun, active activities. 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.

May

May 2, 7:00 - 8:00 PM | Birding Basics

The migratory birds are back! Tweet! Tweet! Are you curious about which birds are singing those songs you hear? Join CCSC instructor, Julie, to discover the joy of identifying the birds around you. You will learn basic bird identification by sight and sound and pick up tips on how to use and choose binoculars. You will also practice your new skills outside during the program.

This event is free and open to the public.

More events are coming soon!