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
- 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
- May
Thursday, May 1, 6–7 p.m. I Birding Basics
The migratory birds are back! Tweet! Tweet! Are you curious about which birds are singing those songs you hear? Join a CCSC naturalist and discover the joy of identifying the birds around you. Learn basic bird identification by sight and sound and pick up tips on using and choosing binoculars. You’ll also practice your new skills outside during the program.
This program is free and open to the public.
Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. - noon I Backcountry First Aid for Your Dog
Learn some basic first aid for your outdoor adventure pup(s)! An experienced vet and vet tech from Anchorage Veterinary Clinic and Urgent Care will help prepare you for some of the most common dog injuries you may encounter in the backcountry. They will give you advice on what to bring, teach you to determine the level of urgent professional care needed, and more.
The cost includes one small first aid kit. This event is $50/ person; register at Recreation.gov. Please leave your dog(s) at home for this event.
Thursday, May 22 & 29, 6:30–8:30 a.m. I Early Morning Bird Walks
It's spring migration time! Join Bureau of Land Management naturalists and Anchorage Audubon Society birders 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.
Thursday, May 22, 10–11:30 a.m. I Time Outside Together (TOTs): Birds
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; register at Recreation.gov.
Friday, May 23, 10–noon I Public: Junior Ranger: 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 5-10. Every child must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the program. This event is $8/child; register at Recreation.gov.
Tuesday, May 27 & 29, 6:30–8:30 p.m. I Trees to Wood Workshop: How Trees Grow & Wood Properties
Trees dominate our landscapes and inspire us with their grandeur. They grow to inspiring heights and live to great ages. Yet, they all start from a tiny seed. Do you ever wonder how they grow?
We will explore the growth process and learn how the cambium layers, an important part of growth, make new wood and bark. Students will learn about growth rings, heartwood, and how conifers differ from broadleaf trees. Each tree species produces unique wood characteristics, and we will investigate some of the more common types, mainly oak and pine.
First Session: Introduction to the basics of secondary woody growth (how trees grow, cambium layers including the bark and wood)
Second Session: Characteristics of wood (hardness, grain, cuts, and uses)
Please bring a hand lens, a writing utensil, and a notebook if you have one.
Cindy Johnson, a retired biology professor and award-winning instructor, teaches this workshop in partnership with the Alaska Native Plant Society.
This event is $10/participant for both sessions; register at Recreation.gov.
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)
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
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
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.
- Scientific Lecture Series
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