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
- December
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.
- January
Friday, January 2, 10 - noon – Junior Ranger: Tree-mendous Trees!
Calling all Junior Rangers! Get ready to use all your senses to explore the trees in the forest. There will be TALL trees, small trees, trees with poky needles, and trees with no leaves. There are trees everywhere!
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.
Friday, January 2, 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.
Wednesday, January 7 & Thursday, January 15, 10 - 11:30 a.m. – Time Outside Together(s): Textures in Nature
TOTs or Time Outside Together(s), 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 our sense of touch! Sing songs, go on a nature walk, and more.
This event is $5/family; register at Recreation.gov.
Thursday, January 8, 6 - 7:30 p.m. – Intro to Cross-Country Skiing
Glide into winter fun with our introduction to classic skiing! This beginner-friendly class teaches the basics in a relaxed, snowy setting. Enjoy fresh air and gentle trails while learning a classic Alaskan sport. No experience needed! Just bring your gear and a ready-to-learn attitude!
This is a one-session introductory class. It is limited to 8 years old and up. No gear is provided; please 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. This event is $10/person; register at Recreation.gov.
Thursday, January 15, 6 - 7 p.m. – Your Public Lands - Tracking Wildland Fire (VIRTUAL)
Get a behind-the-scenes look into the world of wildland firefighting with Tasha Shields. Tasha has a long career in fire of over 20 years. She has served various roles in firefighting, fuels, and fire management. Hear her stories from the front lines and what it takes to investigate wildland fires, track human-caused fires, and a lot more!
This program is free and open to the public. Register here for a Microsoft Teams invite.
Friday, January 16, 6 - 7:30 p.m. – New Moon Snowshoe Hike
Snowshoe through Campbell Tract’s beautiful boreal forest under the darkness of a new moon. 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.
Wednesday, January 21, 7 - 8 p.m. – Fireside Chat Speaker Series - Taking the Temperature of Alaska's Freshwaters
The streams and lakes are an iconic part of our outdoor landscape. They are also a vital 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.
This event is free and open to the public.
- February
Tuesday, February 3, 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.
Wednesday, February 4 & Thursday, February 19, 10 - 11:30 a.m. – Time Outside Together(s): Textures in Nature
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 learn about the animals that live in them! Sing songs, go on a nature walk, and more.
This event is $5/family; register at Recreation.gov.
Tuesday, February 17, 6 - 7:30 p.m. – New Moon Snowshoe Hike
Snowshoe through Campbell Tract’s beautiful boreal forest under the darkness of a new moon. 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.
Wednesday, February 18, 7 - 8 p.m. – Fireside Chat Speaker Series - Bears Over the Ages
Everyone knows that Alaska has three species of bears: polar, black, and brown. However, there are regional variations, especially among the brown bears. How do bears behave differently across the state? And how has this changed over time? Craig Perham is a wildlife biologist with the Bureau of Land Management and has decades of experience working with bears. You'll be sure to learn something new.
This event is free and open to the public.
Friday, February 27, 10 - noon – Junior Ranger: Animal Detectives
Calling all Junior Rangers! Get ready to use all your senses to explore the trees in the forest. There will be TALL trees, small trees, trees with poky needles, and trees with no leaves. There are trees everywhere!
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.
Wednesday, March 4 & Friday, March 13, 10 - 11:30 a.m. – Time Outside Together(s): Little Winter Tree
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 all the little trees covered in snow! Sing songs, go on a nature walk, and more.
This event is $5/family; register at Recreation.gov.
Friday, March 6, 10 - noon – Junior Ranger: Iditarod Adventures
Calling all Junior Rangers! Gee! Haw! Whoa! Let’s race across the finish line, make sled dog puppets, and more. Join the whirlwind adventure on the Iditarod Trail.
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.
Wednesday, March 11, noon - 1:30 p.m. – Family Snowshoe Hike
Explore winter's beauty on Campbell Tract by snowshoe. We'll learn about the natural world around us in this family-friendly hike. Let's play in the snow before it's all gone!
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. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is $5/person; register at Recreation.gov.
Friday, March 13, 1 - 3 p.m. – Junior Ranger: Fossil Forays
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.
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.
Wednesday, March 18, 7 - 8 p.m. – Fireside Chat Speaker Series - Steel Spine of the North: A History of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) is an engineering feat. It is 800 miles of pipeline built in harsh and rugged conditions to withstand arctic temperatures and terrain. It transports crude oil from the North Slope to Valdez. Carrie Irwin Brown from the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company will delve into the history of TAPS and the risks that were taken to create the steel spine of the North.
This event is free and open to the public.
Friday, March 20, 6 - 7:30 p.m. – Sunset Snowshoe Hike
Snowshoe through Campbell Tract’s beautiful boreal forest during sunset. We will get to know each other, enjoy the last snowshoe hike of the season, 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.
Wednesday, March 25, 7 - 8 p.m. – Sleeping in the Snow: How Mosquitoes Survive Alaska’s Winter (VIRTUAL)
Surprise! You thought you didn't have to worry about mosquitoes in winter, and you don't! There are many things to learn about what mosquitoes are doing before the snow has melted. Did you know that some adults overwinter? Have you heard of a snow mosquito? Come learn about these tiny animals in this informative virtual presentation about Alaska's unofficial "state bird."
This event is free and open to the public. Register here for a Microsoft Teams invite.
- March
Wednesday, March 4 & Friday, March 13, 10 - 11:30 a.m. – Time Outside Together(s): Little Winter Tree
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 all the little trees covered in snow! Sing songs, go on a nature walk, and more.
This event is $5/family; register at Recreation.gov.
Friday, March 6, 10 - noon – Junior Ranger: Iditarod Adventures
Calling all Junior Rangers! Gee! Haw! Whoa! Let’s race across the finish line, make sled dog puppets, and more. Join the whirlwind adventure on the Iditarod Trail.
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.
Wednesday, March 11, noon - 1:30 p.m. – Family Snowshoe Hike
Explore winter's beauty on Campbell Tract by snowshoe. We'll learn about the natural world around us in this family-friendly hike. Let's play in the snow before it's all gone!
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. All children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is $5/person; register at Recreation.gov.
Friday, March 13, 1 - 3 p.m. – 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.
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.
Wednesday, March 18, 7 - 8 p.m. – Fireside Chat Speaker Series - Steel Spine of the North: A History of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) is an engineering feat. It is 800 miles of pipeline built in harsh and rugged conditions to withstand arctic temperatures and terrain. It transports crude oil from the North Slope to Valdez. Carrie Irwin Brown from the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company will delve into the history of TAPS and the risks that were taken to create the steel spine of the North.
This event is free and open to the public.
Friday, March 20, 6 - 7:30 p.m. – Sunset Snowshoe Hike
Snowshoe through Campbell Tract’s beautiful boreal forest during sunset. We will get to know each other, enjoy the last snowshoe hike of the season, 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.
Wednesday, March 25, 7 - 8 p.m. – Sleeping in the Snow: How Mosquitoes Survive Alaska’s Winter (VIRTUAL)
Surprise! You thought you didn't have to worry about mosquitoes in winter, and you don't! There are many things to learn about what mosquitoes are doing before the snow has melted. Did you know that some adults overwinter? Have you heard of a snow mosquito? Come learn about these tiny animals in this informative virtual presentation about Alaska's unofficial "state bird."
This event is free and open to the public. Register here for a Microsoft Teams invite.
- April
Wednesday, April 1 & Thursday, April 9, 10 - 11:30 a.m. – Time Outside Together(s): Bear-ly Awake
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) learning about snoozing bears! Spring is coming and so are the bears. Let’s sing songs, go on a nature walk, and more.
This event is $5/family; register at Recreation.gov.
Wednesday, April 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.
Friday, April 17, 10 - noon – Junior Ranger: Bears Next Door
Calling all Junior Rangers! It’s time to yawn, stretch, and wiggle those toes. The bears are waking up. Discover bear adaptations and learn how to keep bears wild through fun, energetic activities.
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.
Wednesday, April 29, 7 - 8 p.m. – Birding Basics (VIRTUAL)
Spring bird migration has begun, which means that billions of birds are returning to Alaska for the summertime. It’s time for you to join the fun. We will learn how to identify birds by size, shape, sound, color, and habitat—skills that will help you identify these springtime flyers.
This event is free and open to the public. Please register here for a Microsoft Teams invite.
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.
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
Bears Over the Ages – Wednesday, February 18, 7 -8 p.m.
Everyone knows that Alaska has three species of bears: polar, black, and brown. However, there are regional variations, especially among the brown bears. How do bears behave differently across the state? And how has this changed over time? Craig Perham is a wildlife biologist with the Bureau of Land Management and has decades of experience working with bears. You'll be sure to learn something new.
March
Steel Spine of the North: A History of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline – Wednesday, March 18, 7 - 8 p.m.
The Trans-Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS) is an engineering feat. It is 800 miles of pipeline built in harsh and rugged conditions to withstand arctic temperatures and terrain. It transports crude oil from the North Slope to Valdez. Carrie Irwin Brown from the Alyeska Pipeline Service Company will delve into the history of TAPS and the risks that were taken to create the steel spine of the North.
April
Butterflies of the Anchorage Area – Wednesday, April 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.
- Your Public Lands Virtual Talks with BLM Alaska
Join us virtually at the Campbell Creek Science Center for virtual talks with Bureau of Land Management specialists from around the state! With 70 million acres of mountains, wetlands, and tundra there is a LOT to talk and learn about. All virtual talks will take place on Microsoft Teams which can be accessed through your browser or by downloading the app. You can find past recordings on our BLM Alaska YouTube channel. This series is free and open to the public.
January
Tracking Wildland Fire (VIRTUAL) – Thursday, January 15, 6 - 7 p.m.
Get a behind-the-scenes look into the world of wildland firefighting with Tasha Shields. Tasha has a long career in fire of over 20 years. She has served various roles in firefighting, fuels, and fire management. Hear her stories from the front lines and what it takes to investigate wildland fires, track human-caused fires, and a lot more!
Register here for a Microsoft Teams invite.
February
TBD