Public Programs
Are you curious about new ways to recreate on public lands? Interested in deepening your understanding of natural history or resource management? Or perhaps you're looking to slow down with a self-guided mindfulness walk outdoors? Whatever your interest, the Campbell Creek Science Center (CCSC) offers a program or experience for you.
We offer both virtual and in-person programs. View our monthly schedule below to see what's coming up. If you’re interested in scheduling a private educational program, please visit Youth Education Programs.
Please register for fee-based, in-person programs at Recreation.gov.
Recreation.gov charges a non-refundable $1 fee per program ticket. This platform helps us offer a wide variety of public programs and events.
Activity Calendar
- August
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. There is no set time or date; it will be a surprise! There is a higher chance of seeing us on sunny days. Topics will change throughout the summer, so check back each time you pass by. This event is free and open to the public.
August 6 & 29, 10 – 11:30 a.m. - Time Outside Together: Growing Plants
This month, explore how plants grow through song, exploration, and a nature walk. TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
This event is $5 per family; register at Recreation.gov.
Friday, August 8, 10a.m. – noon - Junior Ranger: Gold Panning
Calling all Junior Rangers! Grab a gold pan and head to the creek to find some gold. Learn about the history of gold panning in Alaska and techniques for finding gold. 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.
Wednesday, August 13, noon – 1:30 p.m. - Berry ID Walk
Each summer, the boreal forest transforms into a lush and colorful landscape of plants and flowers. Join a CCSC naturalist to search for wildflowers in their tastiest form: berries! Learn essential skills to identify berries and discover why berries are vital to plants and animals.
This event is $5; Register at Recreation.gov.
Wednesday, August 27, 6 - 8 p.m. - 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.
- September
Thursday, September 25, 10 – 11:30 a.m. - Time Outside Together: Fall Fun
This month let's find many colorful leaves through song, exploration, and a nature walk. TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
This event is $5 per family; register at Recreation.gov.
Saturday, September 27, 8:30 - noon - Campbell Tract National Public Lands Day 2025
On Saturday, Sept. 27, spend the morning on volunteer projects at the BLM Campbell Tract. Projects include planting native plants for trail restoration, trail maintenance, repainting trail posts, and winterizing the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center gardens. Dress for the weather and the volunteer projects. BLM will provide tools, work gloves, and all other needed equipment. No experience is necessary. Just bring a water bottle and your enthusiasm to help on public lands!
RSVP here: https://forms.office.com/g/fbrLnt516Z
8:30 a.m. Registration begins at the Campbell Creek Science Center, 5600 Science Center Drive, Anchorage, AK 99507
9:00 a.m. Volunteer service work
Noon Free lunch provided for volunteers
Our theme this year is "Our Home Outdoors"— a reminder that these lands are not just physical spaces—they are where we come together, feel rooted, and develop a sense of place.
This event is free and open to the public.
- October
Saturday, October 4, noon - 3 p.m. - Archaeology Day Fair
Join us for Archaeology Day Fair! This annual event is to celebrate International Archaeology Day. We showcase Alaska’s culture, history, and the contributions of archaeology to society.
The theme this year is “Tools of Alaskans Past and Present.” You’ll try your hand at making paper bentwood hats, throwing spears using atlatls, and using the tools of modern archaeologists. Additionally, you’ll meet a local archaeologist, and fan-favorite Pingo Peat the mammoth.
There will also be educational booths from our partners for people of all ages to learn about archaeology! Free bagels and donuts thanks to the Friends of Campbell Tract. Co-hosted by the BLM Anchorage Field Office.
This event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, October 4, 11 a.m. - noon - Junior Ranger: Archaeology
Calling all Junior Rangers! Get ready to solve mysteries and dig up some historical treasures. We will grab our digging tools and go explore like an archaeologist!
Junior Ranger programs are for children aged 5-9. An adult must be present for the duration of the program. The cost is $8 per child; register at Recreation.gov.
Saturday, October 4, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. - World War II and the Campbell Tract
During WWII, the Army Corps of Engineers built four satellite airstrips around Southcentral Alaska, including one on the BLM Campbell Tract. Although the forest has reclaimed many foxholes and airplane parking pads, there is still much to discover. Join a CCSC naturalist for a walk to learn about the fascinating WWII history of Campbell Tract and discover remaining relics of the past.
This will be the last WWII hike of the year until next summer. Don’t miss it!
Thursday, October 9 & Friday, October 17, 10 - 11:30 a.m. - Time Outside Together: Digging for Dinos
This month let’s celebrate National Fossil Day! We’ll sing songs, go on a nature walk, and look for dinos! TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
This event is $5 per family; register at Recreation.gov.
Wednesday, October 16, 6:30 - 8 p.m. - Trap Safety Seminar for Pets
Keep yourself and your four-legged companions safe by learning how to look for clues that a trap or trapline is in the area and be able to avoid it. This is a great opportunity to practice techniques with real traps in case your pet unintentionally falls into one. This seminar is presented by the Northern Lights North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association (NAVHDA). You won't want to miss it!
This event is free and open to the public.
Friday, October 24, 10 a.m. - noon - Junior Ranger: Fossil Foray
Calling all Junior Rangers! Get ready to travel back in time and discover what the world was like millions of years ago. We will dig for dinosaur bones and explore fossils like paleontologists do! Let’s celebrate National Fossil Day together.
Junior Ranger programs are for children aged 5-9. An adult must be present for the duration of the program. The cost is $8 per child; register at Recreation.gov.
- November
Friday, November 7 & Thursday, November 13 10 - 11:30 a.m. - Time Outside Together: Getting Ready for Winter
TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. This month spend time with your TOT(s) exploring the woods and learning how animals and plants prepare for winter.
This event is $5 per family; register at Recreation.gov.
- December
Thursday, December 4, 6 - 7:30 p.m. - Moonlight Snowshoe Hike
Snowshoe through Campbell Tract's beautiful boreal forest lit up by the full moon's light. We will get to know each other, get comfortable hiking in low light, and learn about the natural world around us.
The hike is approximately one mile or more, depending on the group's ability and interest. All skill levels are welcome; a brief snowshoe introduction will be at the start. Snowshoes are provided or bring your own. Notify us in advance of any special needs or requirements you have. We will be almost entirely outdoors, so please dress for the weather. In case of no or low snow conditions, we will switch to hiking. This event is $5/person; register at Recreation.gov.
Thursday, December 11, 10 - 11:30 a.m. - Time Outside Together: Ready, Set, Snow, & Ice!
TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. This month, spend time with your TOT(s) exploring the woods and learning all about snow and ice! Sing songs, go on a nature walk, and more.
This event is $5 per family; register at Recreation.gov.
Friday, December 19, 10 a.m. - noon - Junior Ranger: Winter Survival
Calling all Junior Rangers! What does it take to survive and thrive outdoors in Alaska in the winter? Junior Rangers will learn skills like fire starting, winter shelter building, and other survival skills to stay warm, healthy, and safe while having fun outdoors.
Junior Ranger programs are for children aged 5-9. An adult must be present for the duration of the program. The cost is $8 per child; register at Recreation.gov.
Program Descriptions
At the Campbell Creek Science Center, 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.
- Fireside Chat Speaker Series
Fireside Chats
Join us at the Campbell Creek Science Center for our Fireside Chat Speaker Series every month from October to March for an evening of learning! Local experts will share their knowledge about nature, culture, and outdoor fun. These talks are for anyone curious about Alaska's unique natural environment. This series is free and open to the public. Stay tuned for details of the upcoming lecture series for the winter of 2025-2026.