National Get Outdoors Day is a new annual event to encourage healthy, active outdoor fun. Participating partners will offer opportunities for American families to experience traditional and non-traditional types of outdoor activities. Prime goals of the day are reaching first-time visitors to public lands and reconnecting our youth to the great outdoors. http://www.nationalgetoutdoorsday.org … [Read more...]
National Trails Day
The beginning of June marks National Trails Day. In 2011 the Forest hosted two events. Kid’s Trail day was a day of fun activities related to honey bees and their importance and a long hike along Ptarmigan Creek Trail. The other trails event had mountain bikers removing fallen trees off a popular summer trail. Each year events celebrating the nation’s trails are held and more information can be … [Read more...]
Portage Valley BioBlitz
In July 2011 Portage Valley and the Chugach Children’s Forest joined the ranks of BioBlitzes held around the world. The Valley rang with the sounds of naturalists, biologists, and citizen scientists scouring the landscape for local flora and fauna. More than 600 people participated and more than 350 species were observed. http://chugachbioblitz2011.wordpress.com/ … [Read more...]
Portage Valley Hikes
On any summer day in Portage Valley, visitors can take part in a guided hike. Take a quick spin around the Moraine Nature Trail to study plant and glacial succession or gear up for a longer trek out to Byron Glacier. Once on the Glacier you’ll hunt for the elusive iceworm. Check in at the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center for the schedule. Schedule … [Read more...]
Copper River Wild Salmon Festival
Cordova loves salmon and July they dedicate 3-days to celebrating them. This festival takes place annually in July and promotes all things fishy. Join your choice of five fun runs-named after the 5-different salmon species, rock out at the Salmon Jam sessions, take part in a host of crafts centered around salmon, or eat some of the best salmon around-Copper River WILD! … [Read more...]
Prince William Sound Science Center Day Camps
A week long Science Camp that allows you to explore the Copper River Delta and Prince William Sound. Investigate the Chugach Children’s Forest with hikes through the rainforest, canoeing the wetlands of the Copper River Delta, and boating the Sound to witness the abundant sea life and observe glaciers from the water. http://pwssc.org/educate/ … [Read more...]
Girdwood & Cordova Fungus Festivals
This is your chance to learn about these ubiquitous yet often overlooked forest inhabitants. Girdwood's Fair takes place August 31-September 2nd, and Cordova's is Sept 7th-9th. Indulge your inner mushroom hunter with workshops, forays, gourmet dining, lectures, and a fun run. Girdwood Fungus Fair || Cordova Fungus Fair … [Read more...]
Copper River Delta Shorebird Festival
A community sponsored event that welcomes migratory birds to Cordova in early May. The Copper River Delta provides bird watchers with an ideal opportunity to watch the millions of shorebirds that rest and feed here. In addition to bird watching, the Festival offers a myriad of activities and workshops as well. http://cordovachamber.com/ … [Read more...]
Kids Fishing Days
This popular event takes place in various locations throughout the forest. Learn how to tie a fishing knot, bait your hook and all matter of fishing related skills. Kids (and adults) are so passionate about fishing we hold one of our fishing days in the winter, so you can learn how to indulge in angling all year long. Check the Chugach National Forest calendar of events here. Calendar of … [Read more...]
Thank You REI Anchorage!
Huge thanks to REI Anchorage and all their members for a contribution of $10,000 to help support youth volunteer programs in the Chugach Children’s Forest in 2012. REI Anchorage is one of the Chugach Children’s Forest biggest supporters, providing assistance with gear and local expertise to help connect Alaska’s youth with their wonderful wild backyard! Stay tuned for all the inspiring stories … [Read more...]