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
CONTACT: 345-7831
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