ProgramSchedule

Jan-Feb2016

Winter Building Hours (January - April):open Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10am-5pm

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

Groups by appointmentSaturday, January 2, 2pmAll Ages Program ANIMAL TRACKSAnimals leave telltale signs of their presence! Join volunteer naturalist Beth Baker to learn about tracking Alaska animals. After the indoor presentation we’ll go outside to look for tracks.

Sunday, January 3, 9am-5pmCHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTPlease consider participating in Audubon’s annual Christmas Bird Count for the Eagle River/Chugiak area. You can cover a pre-determined area or do it at your home, as long as it’s in our assigned count circle. Meet at Jitters in downtown Eagle River at 9am for assignments. We will meet back at Jitters at 4pm for a potluck as the group tallies and reviews total counts. Bring a dish to share. Contact coordinator Liza at liza-s@rocketmail.com or call 694-2108 for details or to volunteer.

Sunday, January 3, 2pmArmchair Travel SeriesFAMILY SAILING ADVENTURELearn about an Alaska family who sailed halfway around the world for two years. Join us to hear Bill and Becky

Musick and their children (then aged 9,11 and 13) as they share stories about their unique adventure. They left Annapolis MD in 2011 and sailed through the Panama Canal, across the Pacific, around New Zealand and ended their trip in Southeast Asia. Sit back and relax by the wood stove while vicariously visiting far-away lands. If you’re interested in making a presentation of your travel experience, contact naturalist@ernc.org.

Friday, January 8, 7pmAstronomy Series: AURORA BOREALISPresented by Colin Tyler Bogucki. The Astronomy series meets monthly on the first Friday evening. An astronomer presents a special topic and answers your questions. If the skies are clear, be ready to go outside to view the night sky. You may bring your own binoculars or telescope, or share the ones set up by the astronomers.

Saturday, January 9, 2pmJr. Naturalist Program (Registration req’d)SHELTER-BUILDINGVolunteer Michael “Gus” Gustafson will teach how to build a “Quinzhee” snow shelter, assuming there’s enough snow. Dress for outdoor fun; meet at the classroom yurt. Limited to the first 12 children (ages 6 and up) registered at 694-2108. Note: Program is not meant for organized groups; contact naturalist@ernc.org to schedule.

Sunday, January 10, 11am Note special timeCROSS-COUNTRY SKIING FOR BEGINNERS (Registration required)Never been on skis before, or would like some tips to get more comfortable? Join volunteer Lilly Goodman-Allwright for an introductory class in cross-country skiing (not skate skiing). Bring own equipment and dress in non-cotton layers. Limited to the first 12 people (ages 10 & up) registered at 694-2108. Note: may be cancelled in case of lack of snow, icy conditions or temperatures below 0° F.

Saturday, January 16, noon-5pmSpecial Event for All AgesHistoric IDITAROD ROADHOUSE DayThe Nature Center will be transformed into a roadhouse circa 1916 in the hayday of the Iditarod Trail. We’ll have a vintage dog sled, Crow Pass roadhouse artifacts, programs, as well as food: pancakes, fresh-baked goods, hot beverages and soup.The following special fundraisers help support the Nature Center:Iditarod prints will be on display and available for purchase throughout the day -- prints are from the 1990’s, designed by Charles Gause and signed by famous mushers.Raffle Quilt: Tickets are $10 (or 3 for $25) for sale starting December 1st. Drawing will take place at 8pm on January 16; winner does not need to be present.

12pm SOURDOUGH SECRETSLearn about the science, history and lore of sourdough. Get some sourdough “mother” (starter) to take home, as well as recipes and troubleshooting hints. We’ll be making sour jacks to sample until supplies run out.

1pm SLEDS AND DOGSBefore railroads, airplanes and automobiles, winter transportation in Alaska was primarily by sleds. The Iditarod Sled Dog Race celebrates this rich history. Beth Baker will talk about her experience of training for and running the Iditarod Race.

2pm THE GLENN EXPEDITIONDr. Thom Ely will talk about the Glenn Expedition in context of the history of early Alaskan transportation.

3pm STORIES OF THE TRAILA storyteller from the Storyteller’s Guild of Anchorage will share tales of the Iditarod Trail and its roadhouses and towns along the way.

4pm ROADHOUSE FOLK MUSICThe AllGood Family Band will be playing some good old-time folk music. Clapping and foot stomping allowed.

Saturday, January 16, 7pmSpecial Event (Members only; ages 21 & over)ROADHOUSE AFTER DARKLimited Tickets; $25/personCome for a fun roadhouse evening featuring bluegrass music by the Midnight Sun Zombies, food and beer. Fur Rondy Melodrama actress and playwright Chera Boom will provide entertainment throughout the evening. To buy tickets, call 694-2108.

Sunday, January 17, noonThe Nature Center building will open at noon today.

Sunday, January 17, 12:30-3:30pmOPEN HOUSE AT PARADISE HAVEN CABINJoin volunteer Stacy Flagg departing at 12:30pm, or come on your own. It’s a 1.25 mile walk/ski to the public use cabin, where a warm fire awaits you. The cabin has recently been named Paradise Haven to acknowledge the Nature Center’s historic ties to the original lodge built in the 1970’s. Bring a lunch or snack if you wish; we will provide the hot cocoa and s’mores.

Saturday, January 23, 2pmJr. Naturalist Program (Registration required)MAKING BIRD FEEDERSCome make a bird feeder to take home. You will also learn about feeding winter birds responsibly. Please bring an empty 2L plastic soda bottle if you have one -- all other materials are provided. Space is limited; call 694-2108 to register.

Sunday, January 24, 2pmSpecial Workshop ($25; Registration req’d)HOMEMADE HERBAL PRODUCTSDo you enjoy “potion-making”, and want to make your own natural products? In this workshop, naturalist Ute Olsson will discuss the properties of some common herbs in your kitchen as well as those found growing wild in Alaska. You will learn how to make infusions and tinctures, get lots of recipes, and take home samples of a homemade salves, lotions, soaps, syrups, and bitters/cordials. Cost is $25; all materials provided. Workshop is limited to 6 participants registered at 694-2108.

Saturday, January 30, 2pmJr. Naturalist Program (K-6th)FROSTY FUNLearn the science of how snow and frost forms, and create your own unique snowflakes to take home. We will also go outside with magnifiers and take a really close look at snow and hoarfrost.

Saturday, January 30, 7pm-9pmSpecial Workshop ($25, registration required)PHOTOGRAPHING THE AURORA BOREALISNighttime photography during winter can be challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. Colin Tyler Bogucki (www.colintyler.com) will teach participants how to properly expose the night sky using a digital SLR (not an iphone) camera, as well as how to stay informed on solar activity. Cost is $25 for this classroom workshop. If conditions permit, this will be followed by an additional outdoor workshop for $45 fee (attendees must provide their own camera gear, tripod, head lamp, and be prepared for hiking in cold weather). Classroom workshop is limited to 20 people; outdoor workshop to 10 people. Register and pay at 694-2108.

Sunday, January 31, 2pmTHE GOOD NEWS ABOUT CLIMATE CHANGEJohn Morris, retired park ranger and climate enthusiast, will give a brief overview of the science behind climate change, its impacts in Alaska, and some encouraging news about what’s being done about it. Participants are invited to join with ideas about how they too can respond to a changing climate.

Friday, February 5, 7pmAstronomy Series ETHNO-ASTRONOMY: Stonehenge, Buffalo Jumps and Polynesian Voyages

Tonight’s presenter is Ivan Hodes. The Astronomy series meets monthly on the first Friday evening. An astronomer presents a special topic and answers your questions. If the skies are clear, be ready to go outside to view the night sky. You may bring your own binoculars or telescope, or share the ones set up by the astronomers.

Eagle River Nature Center SPRING Program Schedule

Saturday, February 6, 11amSpecial Event ($30 fee; Registration req’d)ICY RIVER RAMPAGE

This 10/20-mile winter bike race is a fundraiser for the Nature Center. Race will start and end at the Center, with some riding on the frozen Eagle River. Awards, bonfire and BBQ after the race. Entry fee is $30 if pre-registered or $35 on the day of the race. Details and registration at www.ernc.org or https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/111305/SMUCalendar. This race is part of the Chain Reaction Cycles Abominable Snow Series.

Please note: there is no Jr Naturalist program today.

Sunday, February 7, 2pmCraft Program (Registration required)MINIATURE BIRCH BASKETSLearn how to sew small baskets or canoes -- all materials provided. Limited to 10 people registered at 694-2108.

Saturday, February 13, 2pmSpecial Author VisitASTRONOMY BOOK SIGNINGHave you ever looked at an astronomy picture and wondered, “Is this what it really looks like?” or “are the colors real?”. Dr. Travis Rector, professor of Physics and Astronomy at UAA, has just published Coloring the Universe: An Insider's Look at the Making Spectacular Images of Space, which answers these questions and more. See images from space and hear how giant telescopes work, what scientists learn with them, and how they are used to make color images. There will be a book signing after the program.

Sunday, February 14, 2pmCOLD-WEATHER INJURIESFrostbite and hypothermia are serious injuries – learn the wilderness first aid skills you need to prevent, detect, and treat them. Deb Ajango, with Wilderness Medical Associates, will present valuable information that can potentially save life and limb.

Saturday, February 20, 10am Note special timeJr. Naturalist Program (Registration req’d)SURVIVAL SKILLS FOR KIDSDo you know how to stay warm, what to do when you’re lost, or how tp build an emergency shelter? Learn from Michael “Gus” Gustafson how to be prepared for outdoor fun as well as emergencies. Dress for going outside. Limited to the first 12 children (ages 6 and up) who register at 694-2108.

Note: Building closes at 3pm for a special fundraiser.

Saturday, February 20, 5-9pmSpecial Fundraiser EventNIGHT with the STARS“Pluto” by guest Speaker Omega Smith, UAA Planetarium Manager, and dinner provided by Two Sisters Catering, Alayna Cuddy and Naomi Everett.

Hors d’oevres and drinks will be served from 5-6:30pm, followed by dinner, dessert and presentation. Cost is $100 per seat at tables for 8. Tickets available online at www.ernc.org.

Sunday, February 21, 2pmArmchair Travel SeriesECUADOR and GALAPAGOSStraddling the equator, the country of Ecuador has an exceptional geographic diversity. Glen Keller will share experiences visiting the Galapagos Islands, the capital city of Quito, an Ecuadorian highland cloud forest, and canoeing on the Cuyabeno River, one of the headwaters of the Amazon. Sit back and relax by the wood stove while vicariously visiting far-away lands. If you’re interested in making a presentation of your travel experience, contact naturalist@ernc.org.

Saturday, February 27, 2pmAll Ages ProgramWHOOOO’s there? OWLS OF ALASKAHow many types of owls call Alaska home, and where can you find them? Join volunteer Ginamaria Smith and her live great horned owl to discover some of the fascinating habits of Alaskan owls.

Saturday, February 27, 6:30-9pmSpecial EventA PHOTOGRAPHER’S FOUR SEASONSJoin us for a reception for photographer and Artist-in-Residence Colin Tyler Bogucki (www.colintyler.com). Colin’s matted prints and canvas photographs will be available for purchase and discounted 20% during the event. Starting at 7:30pm, Colin will present a slide show of the captivating images he has created over the course of a year at ERNC. From northern lights to landscapes and close-ups of local wildlife, his photographs bring this beautiful valley to life.

Sunday, February 28, 2pmFAMILY-FRIENDLY SNOWSHOE OUTINGGuided Hike (Registration required) Join us for a 3-mile outing on snowshoes (if there’s enough snow, otherwise we’ll walk). You can bring your own snowshoes, or borrow a pair from the Nature Center; let us know when you register at 694- 2108. Limited to 12 children and adults.

Eagle River Nature Center SPRING Program Schedule

Eagle River Nature Center32750 Eagle River RoadEagle River, AK 99577(907) 694-2108

www.ernc.org

Non-profit OrganizationUS Postage PaidAnchorage, AK

Permit # 69

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.

KNEEHI NATURALIST PROGRAMS are themed nature-based educational programs designed for families with preschoolers ages 2-5 (no school-age siblings, but babies ok). Pre-registration is required. Length is 1 hour.

* 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 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 Jr. Naturalist Program or All- Ages Program, but not for guided walks or craft programs.

Special thanks to Conoco Phillips for sponsoring the Junior Naturalist Program.

Dick Griffith Matching Challenge 2015-16

Legendary adventurer Dick Griffith is back to match up to $5000 of every contribution received through March 31, 2016. Dick’s adventures are chronicled in Kaylene Johnson’s book “Canyons and Ice”, but at the Nature Center he is best known for helping build the pubic use cabin, boardwalks and trails. Dick Griffith is the organization’s first volunteer and board member and he continues to support us with his generous annual challenge. Thank you Dick and everyone making a matching donation!$500 + donors will receive an engraved giving leaf to be added to our Giving Tree. Maximum of 10 words.$1000 + donors will receive an engraved squirrel to be added to our Giving Tree. Maximum of 18 words.Each donor will be recognized in our newsletter and website.To donate, go to www.ernc.org or call 694-2108.

Winter Closure:The Nature Center building will be closed from Dec 21 - Jan 1, 2016. Trails are always open.

Happy Holidays!