EMERGENCY TRAINING

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