Kids in a snowy forest look through magnifying glasses

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

June

Tuesday, June 3, 1–3 p.m. I 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. Topics will change throughout the summer, so check back each time you pass by. This event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, June 4 & 18, 10–11:30 a.m. I Time Outside Together: 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 0-4 and their caregivers. 

This event is $5 per family; register at Recreation.gov.

Wednesday, June 11, 6–7:30 p.m. I Let's Go Outdoors! Exploring Public Lands with the Whole Family

Summer is here! If you want to have safe and fun outdoor adventures with your whole family but don't know where to start or just need inspiration, we can help. Join us for some EPIC tips on where to go, what gear you need, and how to stay in good spirits.

  • Panelist Talk—Learn from Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service parents how they take their kids backpacking, biking, fishing, boating, and more!
  • Meet other families, find out what you have in common, and maybe even plan your next outdoor adventure playdate.

This talk is geared for all families regardless of experience in the outdoors or ages of kids. Whether you take your family to the local park or have gone camping a few times, this event is for you!

  • There will be snacks, but you're welcome to bring your food.
  • We're adventure-ready! Let's go outdoors!
  • This event is free and open to the public.

Thursday, June 12, 10–11 a.m. I 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; Register at Recreation.gov.

Thursday, June 12, 6–7 p.m. I Bear Aware

The bears are awake! We live in bear country, so if you're exploring the outdoors or hanging 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.

Friday, June 20 & 27 , 10 a.m.–noon I Junior Ranger: Creek Explorers

Calling all Junior Rangers! Grab your boots and come explore Campbell Creek. Uncover aquatic insects and take scientific measurements to better understand the creek and the creatures that call it home. 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.

Saturday, June 21, 9 a.m.– 5 p.m. I Butterfly Count

Since 1999, the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center has led an annual count as part of the North American Butterfly Association’s Butterfly Count Program. For the count, citizen scientists head out to look for butterflies to understand where they are and how many.

We'd love for you to join us as a citizen science volunteer. No experience required. However, flexibility is a MUST. Butterflies prefer to be counted on warm, sunny days. The count date is subject to change due to weather conditions. If you are interested, please email [email protected] to sign up for a volunteer orientation for more information.

This event is free and open to the public.

Wednesday, June 25, 10–11:30 a.m. I 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.

Thursday, June 26, 6–7 p.m. I Bear Aware En Español

¡Los osos están despiertos! Vivimos en territorio de osos, así que, si estás explorando al aire libre o descansando en tu jardín, es fundamental estar alerta. Aprende sobre los osos de Alaska, cómo protegerlos y cómo mantenernos seguros. Explora las tierras públicas con confianza.

Habrá una oportunidad práctica para usar un spray para osos inerte.

This event is free and open to the public.

July

Tuesday, July 1 & 15, 1–3 p.m. I 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. Topics will change throughout the summer, so check back each time you pass by. This event is free and open to the public.

July 2 & 19, 10–11:30 a.m. I Time Outside Together: Creek Explorers

Explore Campbell Creek through song, creek exploration, and activities. TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-4 and their caregivers.

This event is $5 per family; register at Recreation.gov.

Thursday, July 9, 6–7 p.m. I 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; Register at Recreation.gov.

Friday, July 11, 10 a.m.–noon I 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. Uncover aquatic insects and take scientific measurements to better understand the creek and the creatures that call it home. 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, July 16, noon –1:30 p.m. I 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.

July 19 & August 8, 1–3p.m. I 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.

August

Tuesday, August 5 & 19, 1–3 p.m. I 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. 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. I 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 0-4 and their caregivers.

This event is $5 per family; register at Recreation.gov.

Friday, August 8, 1–3p.m. I 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. I 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, July 16, 6:30–8 p.m. I 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.

Three photos. The first shows parents and children walking outside. The 2nd is a group of snowshoers. The 3rd is a person holding binoculars and looking up.

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.

Time Outside Together (TOTS)
An adult and three kids look at a log.

TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Discover a new topic each month through songs, games, and exploration. All programs include outside time to play and learn about the natural world around us.

Programs are $5 per family and occur 1-3 times a month. Please register for only one TOT program per month. The program repeats and changes only month to month. You can register for these programs on recreation.gov.

Check out the TOTs Nature Learning Resources for easy at-home activities you can do with your tots.

Junior Ranger
A student uses binoculars and looks up towards the top of a tree.

Attention all Junior Rangers! Are you ready to embark on an exciting journey of discovery? Join our CCSC naturalists to complete thrilling outdoor investigations and earn your very own Junior Ranger badge. It's a fun and educational experience you won't want to miss!

Junior Ranger programs are for children ages 5-10. An Adult must be present for the duration of the program. The cost is $8 per child; register at recreation.gov.

 

Guided Hikes
Guide and two participants look off into the snow-covered landscape.

Join CCSC naturalists to learn more about the natural environment around us. Learn about wildflowers, WWII Campbell Tract History, birds, and more during the spring and summer months.

During the snowy months, we'll put on snowshoes or ice grippers and explore the trails. Bring your snowshoes/ ice grippers or borrow a pair from us. All experience levels are welcome.

 

Scientific Lecture Series
Yellow circle with a campfire in the middle.

Fireside Chats

Fireside Chats programs feature local experts who help us to understand Alaska's unique culture, ecology, outdoor opportunities, and more. Starting in October, we gather each third Wednesday of the month through April. Local experts and scientists share knowledge about current research and projects. This event is free, open to the public, and occurs at the Campbell Creek Science Center. 

Workshops

We offer a wide range of professional development workshops in natural resources and education. Workshops take place year-round, and topics depend on local experts and speakers. Past workshops include:

  • Backcountry Dog First Aid
  • Wildflower ID
  • Grow Your Own Story
  • Leave No Trace
  • Exploring Our Wild Kinship
  • Howl-o-Ween

Have any idea for a workshop? Let us know at [email protected]