Safety grants up to $4,000
WHERE: Mail
WHEN: Deadline 5 p.m. Dec. 1
DETAILS: Alaska Marine Safety Education Association is offering mini-grants to help fund cold-water and boating safety training and education projects intended to enhance safety training and education. Funds are available only to AMSEA-trained educators and instructors who are actively teaching or supporting boating or cold-water safety. Maximum is $4,000 per project. Winners will be announced Jan. 9.
COST: Free
CONTACT: www.amsea.org or 1-907-747-3287.
CLIMBING
Boulder competition, slide show
WHERE: Alaska Rock Gym, 4840 Fairbanks St.
WHEN: Dec. 6-8; slide show 8 p.m. Dec. 7
DETAILS: The gym's popular annual bouldering competition, "No Strings Attached" is opening to climbers at least 12 years old. In addition, internationally ranked boulder specialist Angie Payne will be a guest host and exhibition climber. On Dec. 7, Payne will give a slide show detailing her travels to some of the world's best boulder areas
CONTACT: 562-7265; www.alaskarockgym.com
HIKING/BACKPACKING
Weekly Anchorage hikes
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Monday
WHERE: Bicentennial Park: Smoke Jumper Trail Head
DETAILS: Alaska Outdoors weekly hikes. Monday hike an easier trail, suitable for kids. Thursday is Thanksgiving; no hike this week.
COST: $1
CONTACT: 770-0440, www.alaska-outdoors.org
Guided Eagle River Trek
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center
DETAILS: Take a 6.5-mile guided trek to walk off your Thanksgiving feast at the Eagle River Nature Center with volunteers Bob and Ann Fisher. Hikers should be in good shape, but may be beginners. The trail is fairly level with a total elevation gain of about 800 feet. Hikers are advised to bring a daypack with lunch/snacks, water, wind/snow clothing and warm layers. Snowshoes and/or ice cleats may be needed. Call for trail conditions. The hike is limited to the first 12 people (at least 18 years old) who register. Well-behaved dogs are welcome. Please provide contact information at time of registry.
COST: Free; $5 parking for nonmembers
CONTACT: 694-2108
KIDS
Make treats for birds
WHEN: 1 p.m. Friday
WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center
DETAILS: Junior naturalists will learn how to make a Thanksgiving feast for birds. Suet and bird cookies are a treat for our feathered friends. Help us put them on trees around the Nature Center or take them home to hang in your backyard. Registration required.
COST: Free; $5 parking for nonmembers.
CONTACT: 694-2108
Learn about squirrels
WHEN: 2 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center
DETAILS: Junior naturalists will learn about squirrels with volunteer Beth Baker. She will explain how squirrels stash food, stay alive in winter and why they "scold." She'll also talk about nocturnal flying squirrels. Registration required.
COST: Free; $5 parking for nonmembers.
CONTACT: 694-2108
Stroller strides for moms
WHEN: 10-11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays until Dec. 25.
WHERE: O'Malley Gardens, 11051 O'Malley Centre Drive
DETAILS: Have fun with your baby, get a great workout and meet other moms. Toddler turf time will follow class.
CONTACT: (888) 605-7860; www.strollerstrides.net/anchorage
Tots get to play outdoors
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Dec. 3
WHERE: Lidia Selkregg Chalet in Russian Jack Springs Park
DETAILS: Enjoy story-times, crafts, and outdoor play every Wednesday. For ages 3-5.
COST: $4 a day / $15 session
CONTACT: 343-4258 www.muni.org/parks
Make a birch bark basket
WHEN: 2 p.m. today
WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center
DETAILS: Limited to 10 adults (ages 16 and up) who register.
COST: $10, $5 parking for nonmembers
CONTACT: 694-2108
Alaska Freedivers
WHEN: 5:30 p.m. Dec. 11
WHERE: Snow Goose Restaurant, 717 W. Third Ave.
DETAILS: Join a group of spearo and recreational breath-hold divers for discussions on training, diving planning, and more.
COST: Free
CONTACT: 350-4753
Panel discussion on dog care
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 2
WHERE: BP Energy Center, 900 E. Benson Blvd.
DETAILS: Panel discussion on dog care for working dogs. A veterinarian specialist, nutritionist and an animal behaviorist will talk. Call before attending.
COST: Free
CONTACT: 349-9663; www.skijoring.org.
Arctic Bicycle Club Meeting
WHEN: 7 p.m. Dec. 11
WHERE: Guido's Pizza, 549 W. International Airport Rd.
DETAILS: Free pizza for club members.
SKIING
Cross country skiing for kids
WHEN: Two sessions -- Nov. 10- Jan. 3 and Jan. 12-March 7
WHERE: Kincaid Park, Hillside Park and Russian Jack Springs Park
DETAILS: Anchorage Junior Nordic League is a cross country ski program for children of all abilities, ages 6 to 14. Emphasis is on fun and proper technique. Practice is three days a week. Skiers can pick a M/W/Sat or T/Th/Sat schedule.
COST: $160 for 8 weeks; Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage members get a $20 discount.
CONTACT: Learn more and register on-line at www.juniornordic.org; or call Ellen Toll at 276-7609
Wooden Ski Classic benefit race
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. signups today, race 11:30 a.m.
WHERE: Russian Jack Springs Park
DETAILS: Refreshments afterward. No snow? It'll be a hike, instead. Register online. Proceeds benefit Ski For Light and the East High ski team.
CONTACT: 696-1977; www.anchoragenordic ski.com/Racing/other.htm
Alyeska due to open
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday
WHERE: Alyeska Resort in Girdwood
DETAILS: Alyeska is expected to open to skiers and boarders for the season. It's weather-dependent, so check first.
CONTACT: www.alyeskaresort.com
Kids learn to ski, board
WHEN: Three-week sessions Saturdays or Sundays in December, January, February
WHERE: Alyeska Resort
DETAILS: For ages 8 through high school and all abilities. Chaperoned transportation available from Eagle River and Anchorage.
CONTACT: www.alyeskaresort.com or call Dawn at 754-2234 or 754-2280
WILDERNESS SAFETY
Treating cold-weather injuries
WHEN: 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 230
WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center
DETAILS: Wilderness safety educator Deb Ajango will discuss common cold-weather injuries, including prevention and assessment.
COST: Free; $5 parking for nonmembers.
CONTACT: 694-2108
WILDLIFE
Alaska Wildlife free day
WHEN: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday
WHERE: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Mile 79 Seward Highway
DETAILS: Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center says thanks to Alaskans by offering free admission on Thanksgiving day. See 100 bison, herds of elk, musk ox, caribou and more as you drive or walk through the center. Free guided shuttle bus tours at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Sneak preview of new road and plans for the center's expansion.
COST: Free
CONTACT: 783-2025
Compiled by reporter Heather March. Find her online at adn.com/contact/hmarch or call 257-4335.
Site of the week
Alaska's biggest ski resort is expected to open the hill to boarders and skiers for the season on Wednesday. Check for the latest snow conditions and events.
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