May 2012 Programs
Saturday, May 5, 2pm
Jr. Naturalist Program (K-6th)
WHY MIGRATE?
Some do, and some don’t. Why do animals migrate? What is the cost, and what is the benefit? We’ll take a look at migrators such as birds and salmon, as well as play a migration game. Be prepared to go outside. Free program, $5 parking for non-members.
Sunday, May 6, 2pm
HOW TO STAY SAFE IN BEAR COUNTRY
Naturalist Doris Ivory presents the biology and behavior of Alaskan black and brown bears, and how to stay safe recreating and camping in bear country. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.
Saturday, May 12, 10am
EAGLE RIVER CHALLENGE
5K and 10K TRAIL RACES ($30 Entry Fee)
This foot race is held on the Dew Mound and Albert Loop Trails. Bib pick-up starts at 9am. For more information, contact Eric Fjeldstad at 263-6973. Online registration and payment option will be available at www.ernc.org in April. Bib pick-up starts at 9am. All proceeds benefit the Nature Center’s programming and trail maintenance. If you want to volunteer at the race, call 694-2108 or email info@ernc.org
Saturday, May 12, 2pm
Jr. Naturalist Program (K-6th)
SIGNS OF SPRING
Safe in their weather-tight packaging, plants and seeds have been waiting for spring. Find out how plants and insects got through winter and see the real meaning of “Spring has Sprung” as we hunt for signs of spring along the trail. Dress for outdoors. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.
Sunday, May 13, 2-4pm
MOTHER’S DAY WITH THE BIRDS
Join the Bird Treatment and Learning Center and its live education birds to celebrate Mother’s Day! Bring the family to meet a variety of birds close-up. Free program; donations suggested. $5 parking fee for non-members.
Saturday, May 19, 8am
MORNING BIRD WALK
(Registration required)
Join Liza Sanden for a 1-2 mile walk to look and listen for birds. Note that the Nature Center does not open until 10am; please meet by the front door. Limited to the first 12 people (ages 16 and up) who register at 694-2108. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.
Saturday, May 19, 10am
EKLUTNA CHALLENGE ($30 Entry Fee)
This biathlon is a 3-mile run followed by a 15-mile mountain-bike race, held at Eklutna Lake in Chugach State Park. All proceeds benefit the Nature Center. Note there is no race-day registration. Check-in time is 9:15am. Register online at www.lifetimeadventures.net. For questions or to volunteer, call (907) 746-4644 or email info@lifetimeadventures.net
Saturday, May 19th, 11am-4pm
DEW LAKE DASH (Registration required)
Join volunteers Bob and Ann Fisher for a 6.75-mile round trip hike to scenic Dew Lake, starting from the Nature Center. Hikers should be in good shape, but may be beginners. The trail is fairly level with a total elevation gain of about 900 feet. Bring a daypack with lunch/snacks, water, wind/rain clothing. The hike is limited to the first 12 people (at least 18 years old) who register at 694-2108. Free: $5 parking for non-members.
Saturday, May 19, 2pm
Jr. Naturalist Program (K-6th)
KIDS PLANTING TREES (Registration required)
Kids – let’s plant some trees! Learn what’s involved in planting trees for landscaping and wildlife. We will discuss two methods: planting bare-root seedlings directly into the ground, or planting seedlings into pots for later transplant after their roots are better established. All materials are provided for each child to pot one seedling to take home. Limited to 12 children, accompanied by an adult, who register at 694-2108. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.
Sunday, May 20, 2pm
WILD GREENS
Shoots of green are popping up everywhere, and many are edible. Naturalist Ute Olsson will present a slide show of edible, medicinal and poisonous native plants, followed by a short walk around the Rodak Trail to identify plants in the field. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.
Saturday, May 26, 10am-1pm
CALYPSO ORCHID AND VIOLETS WALK (Registration required)
Join naturalist Doris Ivory for a 3-mile walk around the Albert Loop to look for the elusive Ladyslipper or Calypso orchid, native violets and other early wildflowers. Limited to the first 16 people who register at 694-2108. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.
Saturday, May 26, 2pm
Jr. Naturalist Program (K-6th)
MOOSE AND BEAR SAFETY FOR KIDS
Learn to stay safe by becoming “Bear Aware”. Our naturalist will teach families with children how to safely recreate in Alaska. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.
Sunday, May 27, 1pm
MUSHROOM FORAY (Registration required)
Mushroom enthusiasts Diane Pleninger and Chris Maack will teach you how to identify and distinguish the edible and tasty morel from a false morel. An introduction to mushroom collecting techniques and etiquette is followed by an approximately 2-mile walk on Nature Center trails. Please note that harvesting is not allowed on the Rodak and Albert Loop trails. Limited to the first 20 people who register at 694-2108. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.
Sunday, May 27, 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. We'll also have a telescope set up and loaner binoculars available for viewing any wildlife that might be in the area. “Ask the Naturalist” will continue throughout the summer on the 1st and 3rd Sunday. Free; $5 parking for non-members.
Monday, May 28
MEMORIAL DAY –Center is closed
Trails are always open.
Wednesday, May 30, 1-3pm
ADVENTURE SMARTS FOR KIDS
Jr. Explorers (Cost $10; Registration required)
Love to explore? Learn how to read a map and use a compass, so that you can be a smart explorer! Our journey starts off at the nature center and then we’ll hit the trail for a 1-2 mile walk and some fun “backcountry” practice. We’ll also learn simple things that make a big difference when exploring, such as how to pack your backpack and which small items are worth remembering before your journey. Bring your compass, if you have one. Limited to 10 children (entering grades 1-6th) accompanied by an adult, who register at 694-2108. Cost is $10/child plus $5 parking for non-members.
