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
- May
Thursday, May 21 & May 28, 6:30 - 8:30 a.m. – Early Morning Bird Walk
It's spring migration time! Join Bureau of Land Management, Anchorage Audubon Society, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to look for birds on Campbell Tract. This is a mixed spruce-birch forest with a riparian zone. It's a stellar place to look for American Dippers, Three-toed Woodpeckers, Ruby-Crowned Kinglets, Yellow Warblers, and more! There will be time at the end to reflect on what birds we saw and what new bird calls we learned over hot chocolate and tea.
Bird walks are open to all skill levels. Binoculars are provided, if needed. Dress for the weather.
This program is free and open to the public.
Friday, May 22, 10 - 11:30 a.m. – Time Outside Together(s): Little Birdie, Flap Your Wings
TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Chirp! Tweet, Peep! Our feathered friends are back! Discover what makes birds a bird, where they live, and what they eat.
This event is $5/family; please register at Recreation.gov.
Friday, May 29, 10 a.m. - noon – Birds of a Feather
Calling all Junior Rangers! Let’s go on an adventure and learn about birds! We will sing with the birds, enjoy a bird beak buffet, and practice our bird ID skills.
Junior Ranger programs are for children ages 5-9. Every child must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. This event is $8/child; please register at Recreation.gov.
- June
Wednesday, June 3 & Thursday, June 18, 10 - 11:30 a.m. – Time Outside Together(s): Bug Safari
Insects can be found in all sorts of places! Join us this month on a bug safari and look for bugs in the natural world. TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
This event is $5/family; please register at Recreation.gov.
Thursday, June 4, 6 - 7 p.m. – Bear Aware
The bears are awake! We live in bear country. If you explore the outdoors or hang out in your backyard, it's essential to be bear aware. Learn about bears, how to keep them safe, and how to keep yourself safe.
There will be a hands-on opportunity to practice using an inert bear spray.
This event is free and open to the public.
Saturday, June 13, 8:30 a.m. - noon – National Trails Day
The BLM Anchorage Field Office will be celebrating National Trails Day on June 13th by hosting a family friendly volunteer event!
From 8:30AM-12:00PM volunteers will help complete trail maintenance, painting projects, native tree plantings, and other tasks around Campbell Tract.
This is a family event; kids of all ages are encouraged to join and help take care of public lands! BLM will provide tools, work gloves, and all other equipment needed. No experience is necessary. Just bring a water bottle and your enthusiasm!
To access volunteer sign-up: https://forms.office.com/g/KAH38Ae5wq
Wednesday, June 17 & Friday, June 26, 10 - noon – Junior Ranger: Creek Explorers
Calling all Junior Rangers! Grab your boots and come explore Campbell Creek. There are many aquatic insects to uncover. Let's do science to better understand the creek and the critters that call it home.
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; please register at Recreation.gov.
Thursday, June 18, 6 - 7 p.m. – Wildflower Walk
Each summer, the boreal forest transforms into a lush and colorful landscape of plants and flowers. Join a CCSC naturalist on a wildflower walk! Discover which plants are blooming, explore plant adaptations, and learn basic skills to identify common plants.
This event is $5; please register at Recreation.gov
Tuesday, June 23, 10 - noon – 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. Within the trees and shrubs are old foxholes and airplane parking spots. There is much to see if you just know where to look. Join us for a walk to learn about WWII history of Campbell Tract and find hidden pieces of the past.
This event is $5 per person; please register at Recreation.gov.
- July
Wednesday, July 1 & Saturday, July 25, 10 - 11:30 a.m. – Time Outside Together(s): Hello, Creek!
It's time for fun in the water! Let’s make friends with Campbell Creek through song and play. TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.
This event is $5; please register at Recreation.gov.
Wednesday, July 8, 10 - 11 a.m. – Wildflower Walk
Each summer, the boreal forest transforms into a lush and colorful landscape of plants and flowers. Join a CCSC naturalist on a wildflower walk! Discover which plants are blooming, explore plant adaptations, and learn basic skills to identify common plants.
This event is $5; please register at Recreation.gov
Friday, July 10, 10 a.m. - noon – 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 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, July 22, noon - 2 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. Within the trees and shrubs are old foxholes and airplane parking spots. There is much to see if you just know where to look. Join us for a walk to learn about WWII history of Campbell Tract and find hidden pieces of the past.
This event is $5 per person; please register at Recreation.gov.
Saturday, July 25, 1 - 3 p.m. – 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 aged 5-9. An adult must be present for the duration of the program. The cost is $8 per child; please register at Recreation.gov.
- August
Wednesday, August 5 & Friday, August 28, 10 - 11:30 a.m. – Time Outside Together(s): Tiny Seedling
This month, let's explore how tiny seeds grow into BIG plants. We'll sing songs, do fun activities, and go on 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/family; please register at Recreation.gov.
Friday, August 7, 10 a.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 aged 5-9. An adult must be present for the duration of the program. The cost is $8 per child; please register at Recreation.gov
Wednesday, July 8, 10 - 11 a.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 26, 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. Within the trees and shrubs are old foxholes and airplane parking spots. There is much to see if you just know where to look. Join us for a walk to learn about WWII history of Campbell Tract and find hidden pieces of the past.
This event is $5 per person; please 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.
Check back in the fall for the new 2026-2027 winter schedule!
- 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.
Check back in the fall for the new 2026-2027 winter schedule!