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
- 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!
Sunday, October 5, 10 - noon – Backcountry First Aid for Dogs SOLD OUT
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.
Please leave your dog(s) at home for this event.
This event is $50 per person; register at Recreation.gov.
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 15, 7 - 8 p.m. – Fireside Chat Speaker Series - Butterflies of the Anchorage Area
Join us for a talk with many beautiful photos of butterflies in the Anchorage area. There are more species of butterflies here than you think! Learn where and when to look for them and how to identify these charismatic insects. Alaska's butterflies are especially interesting. Can you guess why?
Brian McGurgan is a butterfly enthusiast, a member of the North American Butterfly Association, and the Far North Zone data coordinator for the Lepidopterist’s Society.
This event is free and open to the public.
Thursday, 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.
Wednesday, November 19, 7 - 8 p.m. – Fireside Chat Speaker Series – Ice Puzzles: Exploring Alaska’s Wild Ice Formations
Breathtaking ice formations are a ubiquitous part of Alaska's frozen lakes and rivers in the winter. The interplay between water and other factors causes phenomena like ice bubbles and vapor figures. Have you stopped to look at them and wondered how they formed?
Hannah Brewster from the Friends of Campbell Tract has been skating wild ice in Alaska for over a decade and puzzling over it for just as long. Join her as she explores the formation of several intriguing ice features.
This event is free and open to the public.
- 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.
Wednesday, December 17, 7 - 8 p.m. – Fireside Chat Speaker Series - Stories of the Land: The Legacy of Alaska Native Leaders
Historical and contemporary Alaska Native leaders have shaped public lands. They have influenced its conservation, development, and access. Hear a highlight reel of various leaders from across the state and their unique contributions. This talk is presented by Donna Bach, the Bureau of Land Management's Alaska Native Liaison and history buff.
This event is free and open to the public.
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 Chat Speaker Series
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.
October
Butterflies of the Anchorage Area – Wednesday, October 15, 7 - 8 p.m.
Join us for a talk with many beautiful photos of butterflies in the Anchorage area. There are more species of butterflies here than you think! Learn where and when to look for them and how to identify these charismatic insects. Alaska's butterflies are especially interesting. Can you guess why?
Brian McGurgan is a butterfly enthusiast, a member of the North American Butterfly Association, and the Far North Zone data coordinator for the Lepidopterist’s Society.
November
Ice Puzzles: Exploring Alaska’s Wild Ice Formations – Wednesday, November 19, 7 - 8 p.m.
Breathtaking ice formations are a ubiquitous part of Alaska's frozen lakes and rivers in the winter. The interplay between water and other factors causes phenomena like ice bubbles and vapor figures. Have you stopped to look at them and wondered how they formed?
Hannah Brewster from the Friends of Campbell Tract has been skating wild ice in Alaska for over a decade and puzzling over it for just as long. Join her as she explores the formation of several intriguing ice features.
December
Stories of the Land: The Legacy of Alaska Native Leaders – Wednesday, December 17, 7 - 8 p.m.
Historical and contemporary Alaska Native leaders have shaped public lands. They have influenced its conservation, development, and access. Hear a highlight reel of various leaders from across the state and their unique contributions. This talk is presented by Donna Bach, the Bureau of Land Management's Alaska Native Liaison and history buff.
January
Taking the Temperature of Alaska's Freshwaters – Wednesday, January 21, 7 -8 p.m.
The streams and lakes are an iconic part of our outdoor landscape. They are also an important part of our livelihood and survival. Erin Larson, the lead aquatic ecologist at the Alaska Center for Conservation Science at the University of Alaska - Anchorage, will talk to us about COOL freshwater. Join us to learn how scientists track water temperature and why cool water matters to salmon and other animals.
February - stay tuned!
March - stay tuned!