Flora & Fauna

Guided tour of flowers

WHEN: 1 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, July 29- Aug. 2

WHERE: Alaska Botanical Garden

DETAILS: A docent will guide you through the Lower and Upper Perennial Gardens, Rock Garden, Herb garden and Wildflower Trail. The tour will last about one hour, ending back in the nursery in case you'd like to browse for plants or garden gifts.

COST: Free

Incredible Insects

WHEN: 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29

WHERE: BLM Campbell Creek Science Center

DETAILS: Learn more about the world's most diverse group of animals from Michael Rasy of the UAF Cooperative Extension Service. We'll discover the characteristics insects share and then hunt for insects in the woods and fields of Campbell Tract.

COST: Free

GOLF

Tesoro Tournament, MDA benefit

WHEN: 6 a.m. Friday, July 31

WHERE: Anchorage Golf Course

DETAILS: Tesoro Corp. will hold a Hawaiin Paradise-themed golf tournament to benefit families serviced by the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Golfers register at 6 a.m. and take their first swing at 7 a.m. after a shotgun start. Proceeds will help fund local programs and services, including support groups and equipments such as wheelchairs and leg braces and a clinic at Alaska Regional Hospital.

CONTACT: 276-2131

HIKING

Weekly outdoor hikes

WHEN: 6:30 p.m. Thursday July 30

WHERE: Thursday at Arctic Valley

DETAILS: Alaska Outdoors weekly hikes. Monday hike an easier trail, suitable for kids. Thursday is a mountain trail. Check website for Monday's location.

COST: $1

CONTACT: 770-0440, www.alaska-outdoors.org

Family-friendly hike

WHEN: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4

WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center

DETAILS: Join volunteer Liza Sanden on a leisurely hike for families with children of all ages to Rapids Camp (3.5 miles round-trip). Backpacks suggested for infants, as strollers become difficult in the last half mile. Limited to the first 16 people who register by phone.

COST: Free, $5 parking for nonmembers

CONTACT: 694-2108

KIDS

Parent and Me Walks

WHEN: 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 29

WHERE: Kincaid Park chalet

DETAILS: Learn the trail systems in Anchorage with Parks and Recreation staff. Trail strollers and backpacks welcome.

COST: Free

CONTACT: 343-4217

Russian Jack Explorers

WHEN: noon - 3:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3

WHERE: Russian Jack Springs Park

DETAILS: Enjoy the last days of summer with hiking, games and activities in one of Anchorage's oldest parks. Your child will discover plants, bugs and animals that live in this urban oasis. For ages 6-14.

COST: $40 per child per week

CONTACT: Margaret Timmerman, 343-4217; timmermanma@muni.org; www.muni.org/parks

MEETINGS & CLASSES

Wildbird Rehab Center meeting

WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday, July 31

WHERE: Loon Attic, Wasilla

DETAILS: Join us for our monthly meeting. We volunteer with the Alaska Wildbird Rehab Center to help rehab birds for release and present non-releasable wild birds for educational purposes. Volunteers are always needed.

COST: Free

CONTACT: 1-907-892-1670; www.akwildbirdrehab.org/

Stay safe in bear country

WHEN: 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1

WHERE: Eagle RIver Nature Center

DETAILS: A staff naturalist will present the biology and behavior of Alaska black and brown bears, and how to stay safe recreating and camping in bear country.

COST: Free, $5 parking for nonmembers

CONTACT: 694-2108

Agriculture for Educators

WHEN: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4

WHERE: UAF Experiment Farm, Palmer

DETAILS: Three-day workshop for K-12 educators. Learn about Alaska agriculture and how to help students understand the sources of their food and fabric. One to two professional development credits available to teachers. Discount for pre-service teachers and informal educators. Fee includes materials, tours and refreshments.

COST: $100 plus cost of UAA credits

CONTACT: 1-907-982-2219

Fly fishing class

WHEN: Sunday through Friday, Aug. 2-7

WHERE: UAA campus and Upper Kenai River

DETAILS: A comprehensive, weeklong outdoor education class that focuses on fly fishing but also includes river history and hydrology, wildlife safety and "Caring for your Catch." Includes room and board, fly-outs and a full day drift trip on the Upper Kenai.

CONTACT: kenaifishingacademy.org; 1-907-262-7894

RECREATION

Running with the Bulls

WHEN: 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2

WHERE: Musk Ox Farm, Palmer

DETAILS: A 5-kilometer race and 1-mile kids run. Registration from 2:30-3:30, race at 4 p.m. Free t-shirt and post-race barbecue for participants.

COST: $25 adults, $15 kids

CONTACT: www.muskoxfarm.org/

SHOOTING

Sighting-In Day

WHEN: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2

WHERE: Rabbit Creek Shooting Park

DETAILS: Inspecting firearms for safety, chronographing your rifle, assisting sighting-in.

COST: $10 adults; $5 ages over 60 and under 17