ProgramSchedule

Oct-Dec2016

Winter Building Hours (October-April):open Friday - Sunday, 10am-5pmGroups by appointment

32750 Eagle River RoadEagle River, AK 99577(907) 694-2108 www.ernc.org

Saturday, October 1, 2pmJr. Naturalist Program (K-6th)THE SCOOP ON POOP

Sunday, October 2, noon - 4pmSpecial Workshop ($45; Registration required)USING WILD PLANTS WORKSHOPNaturalist Ute Olsson shares how to identify, gather and preserve wild gathered plants. Make your own infusions and tinctures, and bring home recipes and samples of syrups, salves, and more. Limited to 8 people who register at 694-2108. Cost $45.

Nature is full of yuckies, but there’s a reason: what comes around must go around! We’ll learn all about animal scat and other yuckies, and even make some scat cookies.

Friday, October 7, 11amGuided Walk for PreschoolersLITTLE EXPLORERSJoin us for a short walk to explore nature at the pace of a preschooler. Bring a snack or lunch to eat with new friends after the walk.

Friday, October 7, 3:30pmSpecial Teen Series (Registration required)TEENS AND CLIMATE CHANGE RoundtableDo you crave ways to better understand and communicate about climate change issues? Do you like pizza? Join us so you can build the tools to contribute to the climate science discussion and connect with like-minded youth. Register at 694-2108 to make sure there’s enough pizza! Contact naturalist@ernc.org if you can’t make it to the nature center, but are interested in hosting this at another location.

Friday, October 7, 7pmAstronomy Series: GALAXIESDebbie Soltis starts off the series discussing galaxies, the “countries” of the universe. What holds them together? Why do they form and how have they changed since the Big Bang? The Astronomy Series meets on the first Friday evening of each month from October through March. An astronomer presents a special topic and answers your questions. If skies are clear, be ready to go outside and view the night sky (bring your own binoculars or telescope to share). Students ages 10 and up can earn their Junior Astronomer certificate and astronomy supplies when they attend a minimum of 4 programs and write a brief synopsis. All Jr. Astronomers will receive recognition on March 3rd.

Saturday, October 8NO PROGRAM TODAYThe Nature Center closes at 2pm to prepare for our annual auction fundraiser. More info at www.ernc.org.

Sunday, October 9, 2pmFOREST MYSTERIES: LICHENS & POLYPORESWhat are those strange things growing on trees? Volunteer Lilly Goodman-Allwright will take you on a walk to explore lichens and polypore fungi.

Friday, October 14, 11amGuided Walk for Families with PreschoolersLITTLE EXPLORERS See October 7 for description.

Friday, October 14, 3:30pmMeeting for SURVIVAL SKILLS FOR TEENSThis informational meeting is for those interested in registering for the special series (see below for details). Today’s discussion will cover outdoor clothing as well as Q&A on class structure, paperwork, and registration.

Saturday, October 15, 2pmAll Ages Program: SEARCH & RESCUE DOGSAlaska Search & Rescue Dogs is a non-profit, volunteer emergency service unit whose primary purpose is to assist in search and rescue operations using teams of highly trained search dogs and searcher-handlers. Eeva Latosuo of ASARD will talk about their work with dogs, and teach children what to do if they are lost.

Special Workshop (Cost $50; Registration required)

OUTDOOR SURVIVAL SKILLS FOR TEENSDo you want to know how to survive outdoors? Learn and practice such skills as building fires and shelters in this hands-on program. The workshop series consists of 3 outdoor sessions: the first two are held on October 21 & 28 from 1-5pm and the third session on November 11 from 10am-5pm (all are ASD in-service days). The first 2 are held in the immediate vicinity of the Nature Center while the last is an all-day outing to the Nature Center’s Yukla Yurt, a 4-mile round trip. Cost is $50. Registration is limited to 10 students (ages 13 and up). For more information, or to request paperwork and carpooling information, please email naturalist@ernc.org or call 694-2108.

Sunday, October 16, 2pmAll Ages Program: TREE IDENTIFICATIONHow well do you know Alaskan trees? Can you tell them apart when they’ve lost all their leaves? Join our naturalist for an introduction to the botany and ecology of Alaskan trees and bushes – learn how to use a dichotomous key and take a short walk.

Friday, October 21, 11amGuided Walk for Families with PreschoolersLITTLE EXPLORERS See October 7 for description.

What are some kid-friendly options?Please note: children always need to be accompanied by an adult.LITTLE EXPLORERS HIKES are designed for families with preschoolers ages 2-5. This is a short guided walk (<1 mile) aimed at exploring nature at the pace of the child (siblings welcome). No registration needed. Length is 1 hour.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY HIKES are guided walks of 2-3 miles designed for families with school-aged children (siblings welcome). Pre-registration is required. Length is approximately 2 hours.

* JUNIOR NATURALIST PROGRAMS are themed, nature-based education programs designed for families with children in grades K-6. Most are walk-in, but a few do require pre-registration. Length is approximately 1-1.5 hours.

* ALL-AGES PROGRAMS are general audience adult programs deemed accessible to older school-aged children with a special interest in the topic. Walk-in. Length is approximately 1-1.5 hours.

* School-age children can earn their Junior Naturalist Badge by attending 12 programs. Ask at the front desk to start a punch card. Cards are punched only for programs designated as Junior Naturalist Program or All Ages Program, but not for guided walks or craft programs.

Saturday, October 22, 2pmSpecial EventA PHOTOGRAPHER’S FOUR SEASONSPhotographer and Artist-in-Residence Colin Tyler Bogucki (www.colintyler.com) will present a slide show of the captivating images he has created over the course of two years at ERNC. From the northern lights to landscapes and close-ups of local wildlife, Colin’s photographs bring this beautiful valley to life. Join us for a reception after the presentation -- Colin’s matted prints and canvas photographs will be available for purchase and discounted 20% this Saturday and Sunday.

Sunday, October 23, 2pmAll Ages ProgramPARASITES: ZOMBIES AMONG USHost manipulation is a strategy many parasites use to survive and thrive. Some parasites even infiltrate the minds of their hosts to change their behavior. Could you be controlled by a parasite? Naturalist Samantha Russell can help you find out!

Friday, October 28, 11amGuided Walk for Families with PreschoolersLITTLE EXPLORERS See October 7 for description.Celebrate Halloween with us on this last pre-school walk for 2016 -- we’ll resume Spring 2017.

Saturday, October 29, 2-3:30pmJr. Naturalist Program (K-6th)HALLOWEEN NATURE WALKFamilies with children are invited to visit a series of fun and educational Halloween-themed stations set up along the Rodak Nature Trail (3/4 mile round-trip). Start anytime between 2-2:30pm to allow enough time to visit all the stations at your own pace. Costumes are welcome, but be sure to dress warmly for being outdoors.

Sunday, October 30, 2pmAll Ages Program THE WITCH AND HER OWLWhy are owls associated with Halloween? Find out all about owls from volunteer Ginamaria Smith, who will bring her education bird, a great-horned owl, to visit the Nature Center. Costumes encouraged!

Friday, November 4, 3:30pmTEENS AND CLIMATE CHANGE RoundtableRegistration required see October 7 for details.

Friday, November 4, 7pmAstronomy Series: THE ORIGIN OF LIFE,

THE UNIVERSE AND EVERYTHINGIn an event called the “Big Bang”, the universe began 13.8 billion years ago. What is the Big Bang? What happened in the universe after that? And what will happen to it in the future? Dr. Travis Rector, professor of physics and astronomy at UAA, will

answer these questions and more! See October 7 for series description.

Saturday, November 5, 2pmAll Ages Program: BATS OF ALASKADiscover which bats are found in Alaska and other facts about these often misunderstood creatures of the night. Alaska Fish and Game biologist Marian Snively will also discuss current research and white-nose syndrome.

Eagle River Nature Center SPRING Program Schedule

Sunday, November 6, 2pmGuided Hike (Registration required)DOGS AND FRIENDS HIKEBring your (well-socialized) leashed dog on a 3-mile walk and meet fellow canine adventure enthusiasts, as well as learn about dog etiquette and dog-friendly destinations. Limited to 6 dogs & 12 humans who register at 694-2108.

Saturday, November 12, 2pmJr. Naturalist Program (Registration required)SURVIVAL SKILLS FOR KIDS“Gus” Gustafson knows how to stay warm when left out in the cold. Learn how to dress for winter and build a fire. Limited to 12 children registered at 694-2108. Note: this program is not meant for organized groups such as scouts; please contact naturalist@ernc.org to schedule a separate program.

Sunday, November 13, 2pmSKIJORING: WINTER FUN WITH YOUR DOGSA volunteer with the Anchorage Skijor Club will discuss many topics including choosing equipment, training and feeding your dog, good places to skijor, and competition opportunities from local races to the World Skijor Championships.

Saturday, November 19, 2pmAll Ages Program/Author visitBEEN THERE, DONE THAT!Animals leave telltale signs, and we can learn to read them. Children’s book author Jen Funk Weber will share how she came to be an Alaska wildlife watcher and write Been There, Done That!, a book about reading animal signs. There will be copies of her book for sale and autographing.

Saturday, November 19, 7pmArmchair Travel Series: SOUTHERN AFRICAHave you ever wanted to go on safari? Here’s your chance to hear from Africa travelers Jen Funk Weber and Tammy Vig, who between them spent 5 months in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Join us for a fun evening: feel free to bring some finger foods or desserts to share; we’ll provide hot cocoa and rooibos tea. Sit back and relax by the wood stove while vicariously visiting far-away lands: each Armchair Travel program focuses on a different travel destination. Interested in making a presentation? Email naturalist@ernc.org.

Sunday, November 20, 2pmAVALANCHE AWARENESS Join AAA certified avalanche instructor Blaine Smith for an overview of avalanche awareness, covering weather, terrain, snow pack, and decision making.

Saturday, November 26, 2-4pmAll Ages ProgramLIVE BIRD THANKSGIVING CELEBRATIONThe Bird Treatment and Learning Center is showcasing several owl species, a red-tailed hawk, crow, waxwing and crossbill. Come by anytime between 2-4pm for a meet and greet.Bring your leftover cranberries and raw turkey necks for the birds! Donations to Bird TLC suggested.

Sunday, November 27, 2pmWINTER BIRDS 101Naturalist and volunteer Liza Sanden will cover the basics of winter bird identification. We hope this might entice you to join the Eagle River-Chugiak Christmas Bird Count on Sunday, January 1, 2017.

Friday, December 2, 3:30pmSpecial Teen Series (Registration required)TEENS AND CLIMATE CHANGE Roundtablesee October 7 for details.

Friday, December 2, 7pmAstronomy Series: MARSWe are constantly making new discoveries about our red neighbor using orbiters, landers and rovers. It's about time we took at look at Mars in person. What will it take for us to become Martians? Join Omega Smith, UAA Planetarium manager, for an exploration of the red planet. See October 7 for series description.

Saturday, December 3, 2pmJr. Naturalist Program (Registration required)

FEEDING WINTER BIRDS Learn about feeding winter birds responsibly. We’ll make homemade suet, bird cookies and a bird feeder to take home. Bring netting bags (the kind vegetables come in) and an empty plastic soda bottle, if you have any; all other materials are provided. Call 694-2108 to register.

Sunday, December 4, 2pmGROW YOUR OWN MUSHROOMSMushroom enthusiast Christine Wilcox of Spruce Tip Farm and Nursery introduces you to growing mushrooms at home or in your garden. Mushrooms are an excellent source of protein, taste great, and many are reported to have medicinal properties. Grow your own shiitake, oyster mushrooms and many more, and share your harvest with friends and family. Christine has extensive experience growing mushrooms in Alaska, and will talk about what you need to get started.

Sunday, November 6, 9am- 1pmSpecial Workshop ($25; Registration information below)AVALANCHE INTRODUCTION & REFRESHERThe Anchorage area is surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, which are a world-class recreational resource but can be extremely dangerous from October through May due to avalanches. Whether you’re new to snowy mountains, or just want a refresher, join the Mathew Brunton of the Anchorage Avalanche Center for this workshop. Develop the skills and knowledge you need to keep yourself safe and comfortable in this environment to ski, ride, hike, bike or snowshoe. The 4-hour workshop will cover avalanche basics including recognition, management and rescue. It will also address proper gear and attire for winter backcountry adventures. The nominal fee for this workshop directly supports the grassroots Anchorage Avalanche Center and its public safety information and education program for Chugach State Park. Register at www.AnchorageAvalancheCenter.org. Cost is $25 incl. parking.

Eagle River Nature Center SPRING Program Schedule

Saturday, December 10, 2pmCraft Program for all agesLANTERN MAKING (Registration required)Make your own lantern for next weekend’s lantern walk. Bring an empty 1/2 gallon cardboard milk carton; all other materials provided. Call 694-2108 to register.

Sunday, December 11, 2pmAll Ages Program: THE MIGHTY MUSK OXThe musk ox is an Ice Age survivor that existed alongside saber-toothed tigers and woolly mammoths. Naturalist Samantha Russell and Dani Biersteker of the Muskox Farm in Palmer will discuss the naturalist history of these unique animals and the development of geographically appropriate agriculture. Come and learn about the mighty musk ox and feel samples of “qiviut”, the finest wool in the world.

Saturday, December 17, 2pmJr. Naturalist Program (K-6th)ICE LANTERNS (Registration required)Learn how to make your own ice lanterns, and take home a truly “cool” holiday decoration. Help us set out hundreds of ice lanterns to light up the Nature Center trails for our special Solstice Celebration tonight. Call 694-2108 to register.

Saturday, December 17, 6-8pmANNUAL SOLSTICE CELEBRATIONThe Nature Center invites you to join us for our annual celebration of the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Bring your own lantern or borrow one of ours. Dress for being outdoors, and follow the lantern-lit path to the big bonfire anytime between 6pm and 8pm.

Sunday, December 18, 2pmBIRDS AT THE FEEDERThe Nature Center is a great place to observe birds while enjoying the warmth of our wood stove! Join us in this informal setting to observe woodpeckers, chickadees and other winter birds at our feeders. Refresh your skills for the Eagle River-Chugiak Christmas Bird Count on January 1, 2017.

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HOLIDAY CLOSUREThe Nature Center building will be closed from December 19, 2016 to January 5, 2017. Trails are always open. Happy Holidays!

Friday, December 30, 10am- 2pmSpecial Workshop ($25; Registration information below)AVALANCHE INTRODUCTION & REFRESHERThe Anchorage area is surrounded by the Chugach Mountains, which are a world-class recreational resource but can be extremely dangerous from October through May due to avalanches. Whether you’re new to snowy mountains, or just want a refresher, join the Mathew Brunton of the Anchorage Avalanche Center for this workshop. Develop the skills and knowledge you need to keep yourself safe and comfortable in this environment to ski, ride, hike, bike or snowshoe. The 4-hour workshop will cover avalanche basics including recognition, management and rescue. It will also address proper gear and attire for winter backcountry adventures. The nominal fee for this workshop directly supports the grassroots Anchorage Avalanche Center and its public safety information and education program for Chugach State Park. Register at www.AnchorageAvalancheCenter.org. Cost is $25 incl. parking.

Sunday, January 1, 2017CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT Join us to gather data for Audubon’s Annual Winter Bird Count for Eagle River/Chugiak. You can cover a pre-determined area or even do it at your own bird feeder. For details and to volunteer, contact coordinator Liza Sanden at liza-s@rocketmail.com.

www.ernc.org

Thank You to our Sponsors:Alaska Airlines * Alaska Railroad Corp. * Alaska Urban & Community Forest Council

Alyeska Pipeline Service Co * BP * CIRI * ExxonMobil * Paul H. Clark Foundation Foraker Group * PRA * Perkins Coie, LLP *Rasmuson Foundation * REI Co-op

Spenard Builders Supply * Visit Anchorage * Walmart Foundation *