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


December

Wednesday, December 4, noon – 1:30 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. Ages six and up and 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. This event is $5/person; register at Recreation.gov.


Thursday, December 12, 10 – 11:30 a.m. I TOTs: Snow and 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 forest nature walk, and more.

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


Thursday, December 12, 6 – 7:30 p.m.  I 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. Ages 14 and up. 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.

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


Wednesday, December 18, 7 – 8 p.m.  I  Fireside Chat: The Legacy of Canadian-American Military Cooperation in Alaska 

Join our monthly Fireside Chats to understand Alaska's unique culture, ecology, outdoor opportunities, and more.   

Many Americans don't know that Canada and the U.S. military share a responsibility to defend Alaska. This shared responsibility started during WWII, when Canadian and American military members worked together to defend Alaska against the threat from Japan and has continued over the following decades. This close military connection has weathered changing politics, evolving security concerns, and tight budgets. Despite many trials, the legacy of these efforts has shaped how we face today's security challenges in the Arctic.   

Presented by Kristine Swain, doctoral student at the University of Alaska – Arctic and Northern Studies.  

Gather. Share. Learn.   

This event is free and open to the public. 


Friday, December 20, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. I 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 in the outdoors.  

 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

January 

Thursday, January 2, noon – 1:30 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. Ages six and up and 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. Ages 6 and up.

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

 


Friday, January 3, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m.  I  Junior Ranger: Snow Much Fun  

Calling all Junior Rangers! This month, learn about the science of snow by taking a closer look at snow crystals. Junior Ranger programs are 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/child; register at Recreation.gov.  

 


Thursday, January 9, 10 – 11:30 a.m.  I Time Outside Together (TOTs): Dinosaur

TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0-5 and their caregivers. This month, we will explore all things Dinosaurs! We will dig through the snow for pretend bones, search the trail for dinosaur tracks, and even explore fossils. Throughout our discovery, we will compare items by colors, textures, and weights.

This event is $5 per family. Register at Recreation.gov. 


Wednesday, January 15, 7–8 p.m.  I Fireside Chat: Chasing Ice: Discovering Alaska's Hidden Ice Skating Playground    

Join our monthly Fireside Chats to understand Alaska's unique culture, ecology, outdoor opportunities, and more. 

Allison Heaslet is the Outreach Coordinator at the Wild Ice Skating Club of Alaska. She's a photographer, adventurer, and ready to share her encounters with the magical—and sometimes fleeting—wild ice in Alaska. She will also provide tips on how to safely explore wild ice in some beautiful locations. 

This event is free and open to the public.  


January 16 & 29 (new moon), 6 – 7:30 p.m.  I Moonlight Snowshoe Hike  

Snowshoe through 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.

On January 29, we will embrace the darkness by snowshoeing during the new moon. We will take advantage of the darkness to explore the boreal forest from a new perspective. 

The hike is approximately one mile or more, depending on the group's ability and interest. Ages 14 and up. 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. 

This event is $5/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.
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 and explore the trails. Bring your snowshoes 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