ONGOING
2012 Yukon River Quest: Registration is now being accepted for the Yukon River Quest, to be held June 27-July 1, 2012. The 438-mile wilderness adventure paddling race is held on the Yukon River from Whitehorse to Dawson City in Canada's Yukon Territory. Entry forms are available at YukonRiverQuest.com. The entry fee is $850 for tandem canoes and kayaks, $475 for solo canoes and kayaks and $250 per person for voyageur canoe teams of six or more paddlers. Deadline for entries is May 15. Teams are encouraged to register early. There is a limit of 100 canoe and kayak teams including a limit of 30 solo teams.
Ski Chariots available for loan: The Mat-Su Ski Club has four cross-country ski chariots to loan out to Mat-Su Valley parents with small children so that families can go skiing together. The club has two single chariots and two that will accommodate two children. The chariots have skis, seat belts, a pole system and waistband for the parent to hook into. Made possible through a grant from the Mat-Su Health Foundation. (45-4190, glynn@mtaonline.net)
Cross Country Ski Training: Alaska Nordic Racing offers lessons for all abilities. Programs range from middle and high school to adult master ski programs, taking place at the Beach Lake Trails in Eagle River and Kincaid and Service in Anchorage. Sessions also include waxing, technique, training and equipment selection. (376-2169, AlaskaNordicRacing.org)
WEDNESDAY
Wildlife Wednesdays, 7-8 p.m., Alaska Zoo Gateway Building, 4731 O'Malley Road. Tyler Dann, a fisheries geneticist with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, will talk about how genetics helps inform management of the Bristol Bay sockeye fishery, including understanding where harvested fish come from and interestingly, how genes sometimes cross drainage divides. Free. (346-2858, alaskazoo.org/lectures-and-talks-0)
FRIDAY
Beginning Fly-Tying Classes, 6-9 p.m. Friday and 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, Fireweed and Arctic Blvd. Beginning fly fishing fly-tying classes. Both women and men are welcome. $125, equipment and materials included. Call or email to register. (274-7113, pudge@womensflyfishing; WomensFlyfishing.net)
SATURDAY
Speed Skating, 8:45-10:15 a.m., Harry McDonald Ice Arena, 13701 Harry McDonald Road, Eagle River. Great training for hockey players, x-country skiers and bikers. All ages and abilities welcome. First time free. $15 thereafter. (522-2838, alaskaspeedskating.com)
Polaris Maintenance And Tune-up Seminar, 10 a.m., Marita Sea and Ski, 1340 Rudakof Circle. Presented by the Anchorage Snowmobile Club. Topics range from basic pre-season maintenance issues, to clutching, to suspension. Discuss sleds, meet dealer mechanics and ask questions. Free. (AnchorageSnowmobileClub.com)
Archery, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Kincaid Park Annex Bunker, Raspberry Road. NASP-certified instructors from Northwest Archers will offer their expertise. Limited equipment available. All skill levels welcome. Parents must accompany children (ages 8 and older). Free. (343-6397, muni.org/parks)
Race to the Outhouse, 10:30 a.m., Independence Mine. Hosted by the Mat-Su Ski Club. A "low key" skate and classic ski race up to and through the mine building area. At 7 p.m. is a Moonlight Ski at the mine. All events are free. (matsuski.org)
Guided Hike to Dew Lake, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m., Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Road. Bob and Ann Fisher will lead a 6.5-mile hike. Be in good shape, bring a daypack with food, water and warm layers. Snowshoes or ice cleats recommended. Call to register. Free, $5 non-member parking. (694-2108, ERNC.org)
Survivor Man For Kids, 2 p.m., Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Road. Volunteer Michael Gustafson will teach how to dress for the weather and make a fire from materials gathered outdoors and how to build shelters from tree branches or dig a snow shelter. Free; $5 non-member parking. (694-2108, ERNC.org)
SUNDAY
Winter Digital Photography, noon, Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Road. Photographer Colin Tyler Bogucki will give an introduction to digital photography followed by a walk to the viewing deck for a hands-on photo session of the winter landscape. Call to register. Free, $5 non-member parking. (694-2108)
There Are Mushrooms Growing In My House!, 2 p.m., Eagle River Nature Center, 32750 Eagle River Road. Learn about mushroom biology and different methods for growing your own edible mushrooms at home. Free; $5 non-member parking.
UPCOMING
Ski Team Wax Clinic and Bake Sale, noon-4 p.m. Nov. 19, Service High School cafeteria. The community is invited to come have their skis waxed by a Service skier or coach and learn how to wax and get your skis ready for winter. There will be a 30-minute demonstration on the proper way to wax skis at 2 p.m. Huge bake sale also. Please scrape the old wax from the bottom of your cross-country skis and clean off any remaining wax with a liquid wax remover. Wipe the bases dry with a clean rag. Donations gratefully accepted.
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