June 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: June 6, 13, 20, 27

Thursdays, 11am-noon: June 7, 14, 21, 28

Saturday, June 2, 2pm

Jr. Naturalist Program (K-6^th)

ANIMAL BABIES

Some babies are hatched from eggs and others are born alive; some are born quite helpless (altricial) while others start life more mature (precocial). Learn how animals grow up in Alaska. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.

Sunday, June 3, 2-4pm

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.

Wednesday, June 6, 6:30-10pm

CHOCOLATE LOVERS HIKE

(Registration required)

Join volunteers Bob and Ann Fisher on the Near Point Trail (5 miles roundtrip, 1000-ft elevation gain) to view chocolate lilies and enjoy a chocolate dessert provided by Bob & Ann. We’ll start at the Prospect Heights trailhead in Anchorage. Limited to the first 12 people (at least 18 years old) who register at 694-2108. Hikers should be in good shape, having completed a hike of similar nature, and bring a daypack with snacks, water and wind/rain clothing. There is a $5 parking fee at Prospect Heights (AK State Park day-use pass honored).

Saturday, June 9, 2pm

Jr. Naturalist Program (K-6^th)

CREEK CRITTERS (Registration required)

Did you know that the Anchorage Waterways Council monitors the health of our creeks? Join us to look for macro-invertebrates, such as the larvae of caddisflies, mayflies, and stoneflies. Optional: bring your rubber boots. Limited to the first 16 children, accompanied by an adult, who register at 694-2108. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.

Sunday, June 10, 2pm

HOW TO STAY SAFE IN BEAR COUNTRY

Join volunteer naturalist Beth Baker to learn about the biology and behavior of black and brown bears, so that you can stay safe when recreating and camping in bear country. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.

Saturday, June 16, 2pm

All Ages Program

LIVE EAGLE RELEASE

Watch a rehabilitated eagle fly away! A Bird Treatment and Learning Center volunteer will give an introductory presentation at the viewing deck. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.

Sunday, June 17, 2-4pm

ASK THE NATURALIST

Saturday, June 23, 2pm

Jr. Naturalist Program (K-6^th)

SOLSTICE HIKE AND COOKOUT

(Registration required)

Join us for a 3-mile hike on the Albert loop with a cookout on the gravel bar by the river. Bring water and a snack to share, and we’ll provide hot dogs, buns, picnic supplies and s’mores. Limited to the first 16 participants (all ages) who register at 694-2108. Free program, but contributions for food are appreciated; $5 parking for non-members.

Sunday, June 24, 2pm

ALASKA WILDFLOWERS

Wildflower expert Verna Pratt will show you what’s blooming at this time of the year. Verna Pratt is the author of Alaskan 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” will be 1-2 miles. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.

Saturday, June 30, 2pm

Jr. Naturalist Program (K-6^th)

WILDFLOWER COLOR WALK

Let’s go on a walk to identify the wildflowers that are blooming-- can we find flowers in red, white and blue? Pink, purple and yellow? Learn the characteristics of several plant families, such as the parsleys, peas, and asters. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.

June 2012 Programs

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