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 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.
Public Programs & Monthly Events
- May
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May 2, 7 – 8 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 BLM Campbell Creek Science Center Environmental Technician Julie Johnson 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.
May 9, 6 – 8 p.m. I MSNSS: Fighting Fire in Alaska
It takes guts, smarts, and strength to fight wildland fire. It also takes coordination among multiple federal, state, and municipal agencies. Meet some of the people who fight fire in Alaska.
Hear how they organize firefighting to efficiently combat fire across an area one-fifth the size of the Lower 48. Check out some of the equipment they use, find out ways you can prevent wildland fires, and get tips on how to make your home safer from wildfires.
This event is free and open to the public.
May 16, 23, & 30, 6:30 – 8:30 a.m. I Early Morning Bird Walks
Set your alarms early and join BLM scientists and Anchorage Audubon Society birders for May birding walks on Campbell Tract. Fine-tune your birding skills and witness the progression of songbirds on the forested trails.
Dress for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them. All birding skill levels are welcome.
This event is free and open to the public.
May 18, 10 a.m. – noon I Backcountry First Aid for Your Dog
Heading into the backcountry means being prepared—for you and your canine companions.
An experienced veterinarian and veterinary technician from Anchorage Veterinary Clinic and Urgent Care will help prepare you for some of the most common backcountry hazards and canine injuries you may encounter while adventuring with your pet. Get advice on what to carry with you and learn tips on triaging your dog to determine how urgently veterinary care is needed.
Cost includes a small first aid kit of pet-specific items for you to take home.
Please leave your dog at home for this event. For people 18 years or older.
This event is $50/person; register at Recreation.gov.
May 18, 3 – 5 p.m. I Exploring Our Wild Kinship
Explore your kinship with nature and the local BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) community. Stroll along for a walk in the forest to look for birds, play games, and discuss our relationship with our feathery kin. All are welcome.
This event is free and open to the public.
May 20 & June 3, 6:30-8:30 p.m. I Plant Identification Basics
This two-session short course will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to identify plants, whether you are in Alaska or Argentina. The first session will cover the basics of leaves, stems, and growth forms; the second session will cover the basics of flower and fruit structure. Both sessions will include time for participants to apply what they learn. Cindy Johnson, a retired plant biology professor and award-winning instructor, will instruct the course.
Please bring a notebook, pen or pencil, and a camera (a smartphone works!). Hand lenses and handouts provided.
This event is $35/participant for both sessions; register at Recreation.gov.
May 24, 10 a.m.– noon I Junior Ranger: Birds
Calling all Junior Rangers! Birds, birds, birds! Let’s go on an adventure into the forest to learn about birds and see how many we can find.
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.
May 30, 6:30 – 8 p.m. I Take a Hike!
Celebrate National Trails Day with a hike with CCSC naturalists! Stretch your legs as we follow a 3-mile, mostly level loop of trails around the BLM Campbell Tract.
Hike will happen no matter the weather, so dress appropriately. Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Bring water and snacks in a comfortable pack.
This event is free and open to the public.
- June
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June 5, 10 – 11:30 a.m. I WWII on Campbell Tract
During WWII, the Army Corps of Engineers built four satellite airstrips around Southcentral Alaska, including one on the BLM Campbell Tract. Although the forest has reclaimed many foxholes and airplane parking pads, there is still much to discover.
Join a CCSC naturalist for a WWII walk to learn about the fascinating history and discover the remaining relics of the past. Get a close up look at WWII-era military vehicles courtesy of the Alaska Territorial Cavalry (Motorized).
This event is $5/person; register at Recreation.gov.
June 6 & 27, 6:30 – 7:30 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 discovery hike. Discover which plants are blooming, explore plant adaptations, and learn basic skills to identify common plants.
This event is $5/person; register at Recreation.gov.
June 7, 10 – 11 a.m. I OWLS
OWLS, Outdoor Walks and Learning for Seniors, is a program for active, inquisitive seniors. Join a CCSC naturalist for an outdoor walk that closely examines the native plants blooming around us.
This event is free and open to the public.
June 11, 10 a.m. – noon I Junior Ranger: Creeks
Calling all Junior Rangers! Grab your boots and explore Campbell Creek. Trap fish, identify aquatic macroinvertebrates, and take scientific measurements to better understand the creek environment.
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.
June 11, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. I Birch Tree Paintings
Enjoy a fun evening creating watercolors of birch trees. The evening begins with a short walk outside, observing the boreal forests and birch trees before heading back inside to start the painting process. This simple art technique produces beautiful results no matter your experience level.
This event is $5/person; register at Recreation.gov.
June 12, 7 – 8:30 p.m. I Pyrite and Garnet and Gold, Oh My!
Alaska has vast mineral resources. Learn how miners get to those minerals through placer mining: the process of separating them from sand and gravel. Discover how BLM helps ensure placer mining minimizes environmental impacts. Explore rock and mineral samples from across Alaska. Learn gold panning techniques and practice with real pans! Leave with a guide to recreational gold panning.
This event is free and open to the public.
June 13, 18, & 26, 10 – 11:30 a.m. I TOTS: Growing Plants
TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0–5 and their caregivers. This month, we offer three opportunities to explore how plants grow through song, exploration, and a nature walk.
Please register for only one TOTs program per month. The program repeats and changes only month to month.
This event is $5/family; register at Recreation.gov.
June 28, 10 a.m. – noon I Junior Ranger: Gold Panning
Calling all Junior Rangers! Grab your 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.
This event is $8/child; register at Recreation.gov.
June 28, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. I Scavenge, smear, stamp, and stipple!
Join us for printmaking with natural objects. This relief printmaking program uses small, found natural objects like feathers, leaves, and ferns to make colorful marks on paper. It is a fun exploration of the many textures, patterns, and shapes found in nature. The program starts with a demonstration and time for participants to gather a few small natural objects. Then, use printmaking techniques to make a creative print to take home and share.
For ages 12 and up. This event is $25/person; register at Recreation.gov.
- July
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July 3, 10 – 11:30 a.m. I WWII on Campbell Tract
During WWII, the Army Corps of Engineers built four satellite airstrips around Southcentral Alaska, including one on the BLM Campbell Tract. Although the forest reclaimed many foxholes and airplane parking pads, there is still much to discover. Join a CCSC naturalist for a WWII walk to learn about the fascinating history and discover the remaining relics of the past.
This event is $5/person; register at Recreation.gov.
July 9, 6:30 – 7:30 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/person; register at Recreation.gov.
July 11, 17, & 24, 10 – 11:30 a.m. I TOTS: Creeks
TOTs, or Time Outside Together, is a hands-on nature program for children ages 0 – 5 and their caregivers. This month, we offer three opportunities to explore Campbell Creek through song, creek exploration, and activities.
Please register for only one TOTs program per month.
The program repeats and changes only month to month. This event is $5/family; register at Recreation.gov.
July 12, 10 – 11 a.m. I OWLS
OWLS, Outdoor Walks and Learning for Seniors, is a program for active, inquisitive seniors. Join a CCSC naturalist for an outdoor walk that explores the secret lives of trees. Explore different tree species, meet other woody plants, and discover how trees are connected to other living things.
This event is free, open to the public, and located at Campbell Creek Science Center.
July 17, 7 – 8 p.m. I Midsummer Night’s Science Series: Be Bear Aware
The bears are active and salmon are in the creeks! Do you know how to behave in bear country? Learn about bears and ways to be safe. Find out about bear spray and practice using it! Gain knowledge and experience to make you more comfortable on all your outdoor adventures.
This event is free, open to the public, and located at Campbell Creek Science Center.
July 18, 6:30 – 8 p.m. I Nature Nerd Convos: Do Mosquitoes Suck?
Nerd out with the Campbell Creek Science Center! Do you think nature is neat? You don't have to have a science degree to enjoy our summer Nature Nerds Program. Come and discuss the question of the night: Do mosquitoes suck? This fun, interactive event includes a brief talk on mosquitoes, outdoor exploration, and group discovery and discussion.
Come prepared for outside time regardless of bugs or weather. This event is $7/person; register at Recreation.gov.
July 19, 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. 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.
July 25, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. I Striding through Nature: A Workshop for Walkers, Runners, and Hikers
Our public lands—including the Campbell Tract—are wonderful places to walk, run, and hike. Learning ways to improve your stride make these activities more enjoyable! Fit for Health owner, Leslie Kleinfeld, will coach us through warm up movements; mindful alignment; walking practice; and post walk, hike, run stretches. Improve and broaden your stride and move with more freedom, grace, and ease.
An avid walker and hiker herself, Leslie, Master of Public Health and Master of Education, is certified in personal health, fitness and lifestyle coaching, yoga, and postural alignment.
For ages 11 and up; all fitness levels welcome. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult caregiver throughout the program. This event is $15/person; register at Recreation.gov.
July 26, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. I World through Spontaneous Watercolors Paint Night
Calling anyone who loves a little color in their world! Join us from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. on Friday, July 26 at the Campbell Creek Science Center for the World through Spontaneous Watercolors Paint Night. Watercolor painting is a fun, creative, and expressive way of portraying landscapes and natural subjects. This outdoor program begins with a quick exploration of color mixing, then introduces splatter, spritz, tilt, and smear techniques to create neat effects for a scenic background. Participants are welcome to bring a watercolor journal or use the supplied single-sheet watercolor paper.
For ages 12 and up. This event is $25/person; register at Recreation.gov.
July 31, 10 a.m. – noon I Junior Ranger: Animal Olympics
Calling all Junior Rangers! Can you run as fast as a bear or see as far as an owl? Test your skills against some of Alaska’s animals in a round of Animal Olympics. 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.