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
- February
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Wednesday, February 12, 6–7:30 p.m. I Moonlight Snowshoe
Explore Campbell Tract's beautiful boreal forest lit up by the 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. 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.
Wednesday, February 19, 7–8 p.m. I Fireside Chat: Tracking permafrost: a trove of 75-year-old legacy ground temperature data in Utqiagvik, AK.
Join our monthly Fireside Chats to understand Alaska's unique culture, ecology, outdoor opportunities, and more.
To understand how the Arctic tundra has changed over 75 years, Alena Giesche, a U.S. Geological Survey geologist at the Alaska Science Center, studies data collected by the Naval Arctic Research Laboratory in Utqiavik, (Barrow) Alaska in the 1950s and 60s. The data contains ground temperatures, handwritten data log sheets, notes, and even maps from many previously undocumented sites. Learn about the basics of permafrost science, the efforts it took to relocate these sites, and how the legacy of this work impacts us today.
This event is free and open to the public.
Tuesday, February 25, 6–7 p.m. I Virtual talk: Mosquitoes in the Snow
Surprise! You thought you didn’t have to worry about mosquitoes in winter, and you don’t! But there are many things to learn about what mosquitoes are doing before the snow has melted. Do you know how they overwinter? Have you ever 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. Please register at https://blm.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItcuqprz0qHesV4NeRtKvgGG3ljatl818
Wednesday, February 26, 10–11:30 a.m. I Time Outside Together (TOTs): Textures in Nature
TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5. It’s time to touch different textures at our monthly TOTs. Smooth, rough, tough, slimy! Sing songs, count to three, and more.
This event is $5/family; register at Recreation.gov.
Wednesday, February 26, 2–3:30 p.m. I Naturalist Snowshoe Hike
Snowshoe through Campbell Tract's beautiful winter woods, guided by a CCSC naturalist. We will get to know each other and 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. 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. Ages 6+
This event is $5/person; register at Recreation.gov.
Thursday, February 27, 2–4 p.m. I Junior Ranger: Animal Detectives
Calling all Junior Rangers! Who left behind those tracks? Why are there holes in that tree? Use observation skills to decipher tricky clues that tell the story of how Alaska animals move through and live in their habitats in winter.
This Junior Ranger program is for children ages 5-10 years old. Every child must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program.
This event is $8/person; register at Recreation.gov.
- March
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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: Fire, Carbon, and Permafrost: 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.
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)
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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