Participation in any program of the Eagle River Nature Center sponsored by Friends of Eagle River Nature Center is voluntary and taken at your own risk. Your decision to join or leave any activity is a personal choice; therefore, Friends of Eagle River Nature Center are not responsible for your whereabouts.

For your safety and enjoyment…

1. STAY BEHIND THE GROUP LEADER AND WITHIN VOICE REACH.
2. CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED AT ALL TIMES BY A PARENT OR ADULT GUARDIAN, WHO IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR SAFETY AND BEHAVIOR.
3. IF YOU CHOOSE TO LEAVE THE GROUP AT ANY TIME, BE FAMILIAR WITH THE TRAIL SYSTEM.

January 2008  Eagle River Nature Center Programs

Wednesday, January 2, 11am-noon
KNEEHIGH NATURALIST
Pre-school Program "The Raven"
For preschoolers ages 3-5, limited to 10 registered children accompanied by an adult. Program is held indoors and outdoors (if above 0 F), so please dress for the weather. Cost is $8 per child, plus parking for non-members. Call 694-2108 to register. Optional: Bring lunch and join fellow Kneehighs immediately after the program.

Friday, January 4, 11am-noon
KNEEHIGH NATURALIST
Pre-school Program "The Raven"
For preschoolers ages 3-5, limited to 10 registered children accompanied by an adult. Program is held indoors and outdoors (if above 0 F), so please dress for the weather. Cost is $8 per child, plus parking for non-members. Call 694-2108 to register. Optional: Bring lunch and join fellow Kneehighs immediately after the program.

Friday, January 4, 7pm
BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO ASTRO PHOTOGRAPHY
with Chris Erickson
Astronomy Series
Join our astronomers for this popular indoor and outdoor sky viewing program. The astronomy programs will be offered every first and third Friday of the month through April. Bring your own binoculars or telescopes to share and dress warmly. Due to space constraints, this program cannot accommodate large groups. Children can earn their Junior Astronomer Certificate after attending 6 programs and completing "Star Notes". Please complete a punch card at the front desk. Please note that start times will vary for the season.

Saturday, January 5, 2pm
MYSTERIES OF ICE AND SNOW
Jr. Naturalist Program
Come and learn about how ice and snow forms, and join us on a frosty walk down to the beaver pond to explore hoar frost, ice crystals and snow (dress warmly). Free program; $5 parking for non-members.

Sunday, January 6, 11am (Note special time)
SKI CLINIC
If you've never been on skis before, or would like to learn some tips to get more comfortable, join volunteer Lilly Goodman for an introductory class to cross country skiing. You'll need to bring your own equipment and dress in non-cotton layers. Limited to the first 10 people to sign up who are ages 13 and up (call 694-2108). This program is subject to cancellation if there is not adequate snow coverage or if conditions are very icy.

Saturday, January 12, 2pm
OLD PAPER TO NEW
Children's Craft Program ($5)
This paper-making class is ripping fun: we'll be recycling old paper into beautiful works of art. Limited to 10 children (ages 6 and up) accompanied by an adult. Call 694-2108 to register. Cost is $5/child plus $5 parking for non-members.

Sunday, January 13, 2pm
COSTA RICA CATERPILLARS
Join Ruth Fitzpatrick, the Alaskan field rep for the Earthwatch Institute, as she shares her experiences in the jungles of Costa Rica, where she spent 12 days studying caterpillars and their parasites. Discover how you, too, can take part in any of the 135 scientific expeditions offered by Earthwatch. Program is free; $5 parking for non-members.

Wednesday, January 16, 11am
KNEEHIGH NATURALIST
Pre-school Program "Bones and Stones"
For preschoolers ages 3-5, limited to 10 registered children accompanied by an adult. Program is held indoors and outdoors (if above 0 F), so please dress for the weather. Cost is $8 per child, plus parking for non-members. Call 694-2108 to register. Optional: Bring lunch and join fellow Kneehighs immediately after the program.

Friday, January 18, 11am
KNEEHIGH NATURALIST
Pre-school Program "Bones and Stones"
For preschoolers ages 3-5, limited to 10 registered children accompanied by an adult. Program is held indoors and outdoors (if above 0 F), so please dress for the weather. Cost is $8 per child, plus parking for non-members. Call 694-2108 to register. Optional: Bring lunch and join fellow Kneehighs immediately after the program.

Friday, January 18, 7pm
COMETS, ASTEROIDS & SHOOTING STARS
with Bob Matthews
Astronomy Series
Join our astronomers for this popular indoor and outdoor sky viewing program. The astronomy programs will be offered every first and third Friday of the month through April. Bring your own binoculars or telescopes to share and dress warmly. Due to space constraints, this program cannot accommodate large groups. Children can earn their Junior Astronomer Certificate after attending 6 programs and completing "Star Notes". Please complete a punch card at the front desk. Please note that start times will vary for the season.

Saturday, January 19, 10am-noon
WEAVERS AND SPINNERS
Our local club members spin and weave. Feel free to come and watch and ask questions.

Saturday, January 19, 11am-3pm
SNOWSHOE STROLL TO DEW LAKE
Join volunteers Bob and Ann Fisher for a 6.5-mile round trip hike. Hikers should be in good shape, but may be beginners. The trail is fairly level with an elevation gain of about 500 feet. Hikers are advised to bring a daypack with lunch/snacks, water, wind/snow clothing and warm layers. Snowshoes and/or ice cleats may be needed. Snowshoes will be provided for hikers that do not have them. Call the Nature Center for trail conditions. The hike is limited to the first 12 people (18 years old and up) who register by calling 694-2108. Please provide a contact phone number and email address at the time of registration.

Saturday, January 19, 2pm
TRACKS IN THE SNOW
Jr. Naturalist Program
First we'll make some casts of animal prints you may encounter on an Alaskan winter day. Then we'll take a walk and look for tracks in the snow (dress warmly). Free program; $5 parking for non-members.

Sunday, January 20, 2pm
INTRODUCTION TO NATURE JOURNALING
Naturalist Giselle Bergeron will introduce you to keeping a nature journal through the seasons, honing your observation skills. This introductory session is free; ½ day workshop sessions will be held the 1st Sunday in April, June, September and December. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.

Saturday, January 26, 2pm
WEASELS
Jr. Naturalist Program
Come and learn about the weasel family, whose members range from tiny ermines to otters. How and where do they live? Maybe we'll even find some of their tracks. Free program; $5 parking for non-members.

Sunday, January 27, 2pm
WINTER CABIN TRIPS FOR FAMILIES
So you want to rent a cabin or yurt during the winter? This is an information session for families with children wondering what's involved in an Alaska winter cabin or yurt adventure. Ute and Peter Olsson will share their experiences. Free program, $5 parking for non-members.

Program Registration

• Registration is helpful for all programs and required if the program description specifically requests it. All programs take place at the Nature Center unless noted in the program description. For programs requiring a fee, full payment must be received when registering to secure a place. Call 907-694-2108 to register and receive details about programs (only local calls can be returned).

Program Policies 

• Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• No dogs (unless specified), guns, or alcohol permitted.
• All overnight hike participants must attend a pre-trip meeting and complete required forms prior to a trip and abide by the rules of the leader.

 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

 32750 Eagle River Road, Eagle River AK 99577 --- (907) 694-2108