The bears are awake and showing up around town. Post your photos.
ERIK HILL / Anchorage Daily News
A raven fluffs up while spending an afternoon perched above Point Woronzof in West Anchorage.
Published: March 15th, 2008 10:54 PM
Last Modified: March 15th, 2008 03:23 AM
ACTIVITIES
Story tools
Make birch baskets
WHEN: 2 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center
DETAILS: Participants will learn to sew miniature birch baskets. Materials provided.
COST: $10 fee, plus $5 parking for nonmembers.
CONTACT: Register at 694-2108.
BIKING
REI bike preparation program
WHEN: 7 p.m. March 27
WHERE: REI, 1200 W. Northern Lights Blvd.
DETAILS: Join this Thursday Night Bike Maintenance Series on bicycle preparation and ride maintenance. Topics to be covered include fixing a flat, cleanliness and lubrication.
COST: Free
CONTACT: 272-4565
BIRDING
Seeking resident birds
WHEN: Saturday
WHERE: Potter Trail head
DETAILS: Hike along Turnagain Arm to see resident birds that survive the winter. Trail often clear of snow, but bring ice grippers for three-hour hike.
COST: Free
CONTACT: 952-2147.
Ruffed Grouse banquet
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. April 5
WHERE: Egan Convention Center
DETAILS: Fundraising banquet at the Egan Convention Center for South Central Chapter of Ruffed Grouse Society. Raffles begin at 5 p.m. Society works with government agencies and private landowners to create an environment conducive to birds and other wildlife.
COST: Tickets $75, guests $50
CONTACT: Gereth Stillman at 694-2787.
BOATING
Winter pool kayaking classes
WHEN: Saturday and March 23
WHERE: Service High pool
DETAILS: Alaska Kayak School offers weekend-long classes on sea kayak rescue, fundamental skills, Eskimo rolls, bracing and rescues. Instructors are certified from the American Canoe Association and the British Canoe Union.
COST: $100
CONTACT: alaskakayakschool.com/calendar/index.html#anc, 1-907-235-2090
Celestial navigation seminar
WHEN: 6-9 p.m. March 27
WHERE: Snow Goose Restaurant, 717 Third Ave.
DETAILS: The William H. Seward Yacht Club hosts a seminar introducing Celestial Navigation.
COST: Free
CONTACT: www.whsyc.org
Public kayaking classes
WHEN: 7:30-9:30 p.m. Thursdays
WHERE: H2Oasis Waterpark
DETAILS: Alaska Kayak Academy offers introductory courses that cover getting in and out of the boat, capsizing and basic strokes. Boats available for rent.
COST: $20 includes boat rental
CONTACT: 1-907-746-6600
Alaska Water Wise class
WHEN: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. March 29
WHERE: Atwood Building
DETAILS: Alaska Water Wise is a boating course for Alaskans approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. It satisfies most states' boating safety education requirements and may qualify boaters for insurance discounts.
COST: Free, but registration encouraged.
CONTACT: Joe McCullough, 269-8704; Megan Piersma, 269-6042
Sea kayaking symposium
WHEN: May 9-11
WHERE: Alaska Pacific University
DETAILS: 20th gathering of sea kayakers, aimed at beginner and intermediate paddlers, includes 25 hours of instruction as well as pool and lake sessions.
COST: $225 for weekend package; lecture series $50; individual lectures $5.
CONTACT: 275-PADL; info@aksks.org
Knik Canoers safety meeting
WHEN: 7 p.m., April 10
WHERE: Wilda Marston Theatre in Loussac Library
DETAILS: Introduction to paddling safety for beginners and a reminder to the experienced. Presentations on equipment, trip planning, boating hazards and hypothermia.
COST: Free
CONTACT: 566-1554; paddler.nirvana4u.com
FLORA AND FAUNA
Alaska bats, frogs and loons
WHEN: 7 p.m. Wednesday
WHERE: BLM Campbell Creek Science Center
DETAILS: Learn about wood frogs, little brown bats, loons and grebes -- and what volunteers have contributed to understanding these animals -- from Dave Tessler of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
COST: Free
CONTACT: 267-1247
Search for water ouzels
WHEN: 2 p.m. today
WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center
DETAILS: Naturalist Doris Ivory will introduce the "water ouzel" or American dipper, an amazing bird that spends the winters in and along our icy streams. A short indoor introduction will be followed by a 1-mile walk along the river bank. Bring snowshoes if you have them.
COST: Free, but $5 parking for nonmembers
CONTACT: 694-2108 to register
Alaska Geographic field seminars
WHEN: Ongoing registration
WHERE: Denali National Park and other locations
DETAILS: Field seminars and teacher training are offered by Alaska Geographic, formerly known as the Alaska Natural History Association. Topics include wildflowers, climate change, dinosaurs and migratory birds. Seminars are suited for teachers, families, naturalists and others interested in the outdoors world.
COST: $200 and up for the weekend and multiday seminars
CONTACT: www.alaskageographic.org
HIKING
Alaska Outdoors weekly hikes
WHEN: Monday and Thursday, 6:30-8 p.m.
WHERE: Monday, Kincaid Chalet; Thursday, Stuckagain Heights.
DETAILS: Family/beginner hikes/skis on Mondays, intermediate on Thursdays. Dogs welcome.
COST: Free
CONTACT: 770-0440, www.alaska-outdoors.org
Denali weekend hikes
WHEN: 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
WHERE: Murie Science and Learning Center
DETAILS: Denali rangers will lead two-hour hikes, on snowshoes when possible, on or near trails at the park entrance to learn about the winter environment. A few snowshoes are available at the center. Bring lunch and snacks.
COST: Free, but park entrance is $10 per person or $20 per vehicle.
CONTACT: 1-907-683-9532 or www.nps.gov/dena
ICE SKATING
Cheney Lake S'more skating
WHEN: Saturday
WHERE: Cheney Lake
DETAILS: Combine the crisp air of the Alaska nights with the delights of hot chocolate and marshmallow "S'mores" at this friendly neighborhood lake-based skate.
COST: Free
CONTACT: Ronn Randall 343-4260
KIDS
Bunnies for preschoolers
WHEN: 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday and Friday
WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center
DETAILS: Preschoolers ages 3-5 will learn about bunnies. Registered children must be accompanied by an adult.
COST: $8 per child, and $5 parking for nonmembers.
CONTACT: 694-2108
Owl prowl for kids
WHEN: 8 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center
DETAILS: Junior naturalists ages 8 and up will walk up to 1½ miles and listen for owls along Albert Loop Trail. Adults must accompany children.
COST: Free. Parking is $5 for nonmembers.
CONTACT: 694-2108.
MEETINGS
New Anchorage trails
WHEN: 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday
WHERE: Russian Jack Springs Park Chalet
DETAILS: Learn about new trail plans and projects throughout Anchorage, and meet with trail supporters with the Anchorage Trails and Greenways Coalition.
COST: Free
CONTACT: 258-0465, www.anchoragetrails.org
PRESENTATION
Harding Icefield expedition
WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday
WHERE: Seward's AVTEC Auditorium, 519 Fourth Ave.
DETAILS: Vintage slide show of first documented crossing of the Harding Icefield in 1968 by Vin and Grace Hoeman, Dave Johnston, Bill Babcock and Yule Kilcher. Plus, 1996 traverse from McCarty Fjord to Exit Glacier.
COST: Free
CONTACT: 224-5575
Celebrating women in science
WHEN: 1-4 p.m. March 29
WHERE: Campbell Creek Science Center
DETAILS: As part of National Women's History Month, women scientists will lead a snowshoe hike to learn about Alaska animals. Limited to 30 participants; advance registration required.
COST: $10 adults, $5 children
CONTACT: 267-1247
ROWING
Learn to row
WHEN: Starting Saturday
WHERE: Various
DETAILS: Anchorage Rowing Association offers rowing classes each month through the summer as well as coxswain clinics.
COST: $75
CONTACT: 566-OARS; www.anchoragerowing.com
Nordic walking introduction
WHEN: 6:15-7:30 p.m. Mondays, beginning this Monday
WHERE: Various parks and trails
DETAILS: Entry-level activity uses modified ski poles to add stability, balance, rhythm and dynamic movements while stretching, exercising and walking on flat to moderately inclined trails.
COST: $25
CONTACT: Ronn Randall, 343-4260
Nordic walking for fitness
WHEN: 6:15-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays
WHERE: Various parks and trails
DETAILS: Learn new trails and add exercise mileage in moderate workouts that will improve flexibility, fitness and nordic walking technique. Will walk in almost any weather, sometimes over varied terrain.
COST: $5 per day or prepaid with pass or punch card.
CONTACT: Ronn Randall, 343-4260
SKIJORING
Anchorage skijor club March meeting
WHEN: 7 p.m. Tuesday
WHERE: Saint Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3230 Lake Otis Parkway.
DETAILS: Jeff Sandys will speak on dog nutrition and how to look for and find the best foods for our canine athletes.
COST: Free
CONTACT: 349-9663, www.skijoring.org
VOLUNTEERING
Eagle River Nature Center
WHEN: Ongoing, and April 25
WHERE: Eagle River Nature Center
DETAILS: Center is seeking volunteers to help with trail-use data collection, as well as people to help with the annual spring auction fundraiser on April 25. Hours and days are flexible.
COST: N/A
CONTACT: info@ernc.org, 694-2108
WILDERNESS SAFETY
Backcountry avalanche course
WHEN: Friday through March 23
WHERE: Independence Mine at Hatcher Pass
DETAILS: Enhance your backcountry safety skills with Alaska Avalanche School. Learn and practice beacon use, route finding, rescue scenarios, probing, snow evaluation and terrain analysis.
COST: $295 per person
CONTACT: 564-8300, www.climbalaska.com
Site of the week
The 20th annual Alaska Sea Kayaking Symposium is coming in May. Look at the calendar of events and register now.
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