Public Programs and Events

Are you curious to learn different ways to recreate on public lands? Do you want to deepen your knowledge of natural history or resource management? Or, slow down with a gentle self-guided mindfulness walk outdoors? Whatever your interest, the Campbell Creek Science Center (CCSC) has a program or experience for you! 

The Campbell Creek Science Center offers both virtual and in-person programs. View the monthly schedule below.

Register for all fee-based in-person programs at Recreation.gov

Note: Recreation.gov charges a $1 non-refundable fee for each program ticket. Using Recreation.gov enables the CCSC to offer a wide variety of public programs and events.

Call (907) 267-1247 or email us with questions. 

 

Activity Calendar


March

Thursday, March 6, 7-8 p.m. I Virtual talk: Shadow-tails, Siksiks, and Whistlepigs: The Squirrels of Alaska  

There are six members of the squirrel family in Alaska. Can you name them all? They can be found all over the state. From the wilds of the Arctic tundra to your backyard, fighting for territory! Learn about these energetic, gregarious, and ecologically important small mammals from BLM wildlife biologist Erin Julianus. Erin has been featured in BLM's blog and on BLM's podcast, "On the Ground."

You won't want to miss hoarding this talk in your midden. 

This event is virtual on Zoom. It’s free and open to the public. Please register here: https://blm.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_aNyhWRmEQP-tun3WTVLK0Q 


 Friday, March 7, 10 a.m.–noon  I Junior Ranger:  Iditarod Adventure

Calling all Junior Rangers! Gee! Haw! Woah! Learn what it takes to race legendary Iditarod Race. We will explore sled dog adaptations, learn mushing commands, and complete a mushing obstacle course.

This program is for children ages 5-10. Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.

This event is $8/person; register at Recreation.gov.    


Tuesday, March 11, 6 –7:30 p.m. I Sunset Hike

Explore Campbell Tract's beautiful boreal forest in the evening light. We will get to know each other and learn about the natural world.

The hike is approximately one mile or more, depending on the group's ability and interest. Ages 14+. All skill levels are welcome. Depending on trail conditions, snowshoes or ice grippers are provided, or you can bring your own.  We will be almost entirely outdoors, so please dress for the weather. 

This event is $5/person; register at Recreation.gov.  


 Thursday, March13, 10–11:30 a.m. I Time outside Together (TOTs): Trees

TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers.

This month, make friends with aspen, birch, cottonwood, and spruce. Discuss and compare items by colors, textures, weights, shapes, and more.

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


Friday, March 14, noon–1:30 p.m. I  Naturalist Guided Hike

Explore winter's beauty with a knowledgeable CCSC naturalist! Look for animal signs and discover how life in the boreal forest copes with winter.

The hike is approximately one mile or more, depending on the group's ability and interest. Ages 6+. All skill levels are welcome. Depending on trail conditions, snowshoes or ice grippers are provided, or you can bring your own. We will be almost entirely outdoors, so please dress for the weather.

This event is $5/person; register at Recreation.gov.   


Wednesday, March 26, 7–8 p.m.  I Fireside Chat: Flames of Change: Exploring Fire Ecology and Management in Alaska

Fires in Alaska are very different from wildland fires in the Lower 48. We'll dig into the why by learning about the history of fire, fuels, fire effects, fire regimes, and management approaches from Lisa Saperstein.

Lisa is a Regional Fire Ecologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in Alaska. You can catch a snippet of her ardent expertise and passion on FWS's podcast, My Life, Wildlife, Season 1, Episode 13.

Let's journey through the vast flammable landscapes of Alaska together. 

This event is free and open to the public.  

April 

Thursday, April 10, 10–11:30 a.m. I Time Outside Together (TOTs): Bear-ly Awake

TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. Spring is coming, and the bears are waking up. Learn about bears and bear safety through song, exploration, and a woodland walk.

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


Friday, April 18, 10 a.m.–noon I Junior Ranger: Bears Next Door

It’s time to yawn, stretch and wiggle those toes! The bears are waking up. Discover bear adaptations and learn how to help keep bears wild through fun, energetic activities. For children ages 5-10 years old. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This event is $8/child; register at Recreation.gov.


Wednesday, April 23, noon–1 p.m. I Virtual Birding Basics

The spring bird migration has begun, which means that billions of birds are returning to Alaska for the summertime. Grab your lunch and join a CCSC naturalist for a noontime virtual program about birding. We will learn how to identify birds by size, shape, sound, color, and habitat—skills that will help you identify these springtime flyers.   

This even is virtual on Zoom. It’s free and open to the public.

Please register here:  https://blm.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/ogbKb5oLTo2JtAtJhzM_KQ 

    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.
    BLM Photos

     

    Public Programs

    At the Campbell Creek Science Center (CCSC), 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.
    BLM photo

    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.
    BLM Photo

    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.
    BLM Photo

    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. 

     

     

    Art Series
    Colorful flowers painted near a river.
    Photo courtesy of D. Coble

    From watercolors to printmaking and even junk journaling, CCSC offers a variety of art programs all year long.

     

     

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

    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

    Workshops take place year-round, and topics depend on local experts and speakers. Workshops we've held in the past:

    • 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 sciencecenter@blm.gov