Alaska Safe and Sound Fair
WHEN: Sept. 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sept. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
WHERE: Loussac Library on Sept. 11, Mat-Su College on Sept. 18.
WHAT: Dozens of organizations, companies and agencies will be on hand to help prepare you for emergencies. Test yourself on an obstacle course to find out if you know what to do in the event of an emergency. All ages welcome. Topics covered will include: earthquake cottage, snowmobile safety, first-aid preparation, wildfire preparation, physical fitness, avalanche awareness and pet safety. No experience or equipment necessary.
CONTACT: The North American Outdoor Institute, 376-2898.
FISHING
Russian River ferry open
WHEN: Through 8 p.m. Sept. 5
WHERE: Russian River Ferry
WHAT: Even though the Russian River closed early to red salmon fishing, the ferry across the Kenai River will operate 8 a.m.-8 p.m. through Sept. 5. Sportsman's Landing facility is open for parking and boat launching. Beginning Sept. 6, the parking area will be renovated but parking and boat launching will not be affected.
CONTACT: 1-907-262-7021 or e-mail kenai@fws.gov
HIKING
Family-friendly hike
WHEN: Sept. 4, 11 a.m.
WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center
WHAT: Join volunteer Ben Schneider for a leisurely 3-mile hike for families with children of all ages on Dew Mound Trail. Backpacks for infants are advised, as trail is not stroller-friendly after the first mile. Bring water, snack and rain gear. Limited to the first 16 people who register.
COST: $5 parking for non-members
CONTACT: 694-2108
HUNTING
Get Nelchina information
WHEN: 24 hours a day
WHERE: By phone or via website
WHAT: The Nelchina caribou hunt is under way through Sept. 20, with 850 original Tier I permits and an additional 500 Tier I permits for the participants in the Ahtna community hunt. Applications for the Tier II hunt scheduled Oct. 21-March 31 must be received in Anchorage or online by Oct. 5.
CONTACT: Top of page highlight at wildlife.alaska.gov/index.cfm or call hotline at 267-2304.
NATURE WALK
Meet Campbell Creek
WHEN: Saturday, 11 a.m.
WHERE: Bancroft Park
WHAT: Learn about Campbell Creek, which offers opportunities for recreation as well as nature. Anchorage Waterways Council program will familiarize residents with the creek and what can be done to keep urban creeks healthy. Find out about recent restoration projects and its history. Naturalists will lead creek walks.
COST: Free
CONTACT: 272-7335
NATURE WRITING
Writing down the wild
WHEN: 7 to 9:30 p.m. Thursday nights, beginning Sept. 23
WHERE: Sierra Club office, 750 W. Second, Suite 100
DETAILS: Anchorage nature writer Bill Sherwonit will teach a 12-week nature writing class, with an emphasis on the personal essay form. The class will also read and discuss works by some of America's finest nature writers.
COST: $200
CONTACT: akgriz@hotmail.com, billsherwonit.alaskawriters.com, or 245-0283
SHOOTING
Shooting coaches training
WHEN: Tonight and Thursday night
WHERE: Rabbit Creek Shooting Park
WHAT: Training to become voluntary coach for the fall 2010 Youth Shotgun League. Ammo and workbook provided.
COST: Free
CONTACT: 748-3358
WINTER SHOW
Oxygen & Octane Expo
WHEN: Oct. 8, 4 p.m.; Oct. 9-10, 10 a.m.
WHERE: Dena'ina Convention Center
WHAT: Daily door prizes for trips, gear, ski passes and a snow machine. The Alaska Snowrider stage will feature the Snowshoe Shufflers can-can dancers. Snow machine dealers will showcase the latest sleds and technology. There will be a beer garden, a climbing wall and family entertainment.
COST: Free
CONTACT: OxygenAndOctane.com or call 677-2900
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