August 2012 Programs

KNEEHIGH NATURALIST PROGRAM offers guided nature exploration for pre-schoolers aged 3-5, together with a parent. Dress for the outdoors, and bring a snack or lunch to join fellow Kneehighs for a picnic immediately after the program. Crafts and toys are available during the half-hour before program start. Limited to 10 children (minimum 5; no walk-ins). Younger siblings are welcome, but need to register and pay (if 2 years or older) in order to participate. This series is not open to school-age children. Call 694-2108 to register. Cost is $30 per session (Membership required)

Wednesdays, 11am-noon: Aug 8, 15, 22, and 29

Thursdays, 11am-noon: Aug 9, 16, 23, and 30

Wednesday, August 1, 6:30-10pm

AROUND THE RIM TRAIL

(Registration required)

Join volunteers Bob and Ann Fisher for a 5-mile round trip on the South Fork Rim trail, starting from the Prospect Heights trailhead in Anchorage. The trail offers many views and has an elevation gain of about 850 feet. Hikers should be in good shape but may be beginners. Bring daypack with snacks, water and wind/rain clothing. Limited to the first 12 people (at least 18 years old) who register at 694-2108. There is a $5 parking fee at Prospect Heights (AK State Park day-use pass honored).

Saturday, August 4, 2pm

Jr. Naturalist Program (K-6^th)

NATURE-PRINTING

(Free; Registration required)

Try your hands at Goyutaku or nature-printing. Leaves and fish make perfect prints on paper and cloth. All materials provided (bring a pre-washed T-shirt if you wish). Limited to 8 children, K- 6th, who register at 694-2108. Free; $5 parking for nonmembers.

Sunday, August 5, 2pm

ASK THE NATURALIST

Stop by and chat with our naturalist stationed at the large viewing deck (1/2 mile walk on the Rodak Trail) to get answers to your questions about Alaska animals, plants, and more. A telescope will be set up and binoculars made available for viewing wildlife in the area. Free; $5 parking for non-members.

Saturday, August 11, 2pm

Jr. Naturalist Program (K-6^th)

WELCOME BACK SALMON

Salmon are back after their long migration. Come and see them in their spawning grounds, and learn about the life cycle of these anadromous fish who are born in freshwater and spend most of their life at sea until they return to spawn. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.

Sunday, August 12, 2pm

WILDFLOWERS AND BERRIES

Wildflower expert Verna Pratt will talk about what’s blooming or fruiting at this time of the year. Verna Pratt is the author of Alaska Wildflowers and founder of the Alaska Native Plant Society (www.aknps.org). After an introductory program by Verna, the group may be divided depending on size: the “longer” walk will be the 3-mile Albert Loop, while the “shorter” walk will be around 1-2 miles. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.

Saturday, August 18, 2pm

Jr. Naturalist Program (K-6^th)

SEEDS AND BERRIES

Seeds are packages of new life. Learn how plants produce and distribute seeds in this hands-on program followed by an exploration along the Rodak Trail. Please note that berry-picking is not allowed along the Rodak and Albert Loop trails. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.

Sunday, August 19, 2pm

ASK THE NATURALIST

Saturday, August 25, 2pm

Jr. Naturalist Program (K-6^th)

THE SCOOP ON POOP

Join us for an exploration of nature’s yuckies. We’ll make some yummy “scat” cookies, and hike the trail looking for scat. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.

Sunday, August 26, 2pm

Fall MUSHROOMS

Mushroom experts Diane Pleninger and Chris Maack will present a program about local fall mushrooms. Feel free to bring in mushrooms to identify. Free program; $5 parking for non-members. After the program, join us for a 2-3 mile walk to hone your mushroom-identification skills. Limited to the first 20 people who register at 694-2108 (for the walk only).

Friday, August 31, 1pm

HOMESCHOOL SERIES KICK-OFF

(Registration required)

Meet in the classroom yurt for an optional “Meet & Greet” for the

2012-13 Homeschool Series. Kick-off is free (bring snack to share), but registration is required at 694-2108. Note that this popular series usually fills up -- first come, first serve.

August 2012 Programs

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