Discovery Southeast is offering two separate Discovery Days for children age 7-12 on Tuesday, February 21 and Wednesday, February 22. (Those are both parent conference days for the Juneau School District)

[Last year's March Discovery Day at Eaglecrest]

On Tuesday: We'll head down to South Douglas with naturalist Kanaan Bausler to discover the natural areas there. The day will end with ice skating at Treadwell Ice Arena!

[Last year's February Discovery Day at the Glacier Visitor Center]

On Wednesday: We strike out to Eagle Beach State Park with Kanaan for a day out the road, using the Eagle Beach cabin as a warm-up spot. (Transportation provided!)

[Last year's February Discovery Day at Eaglcrest]

What to bring: Children should come with a lunch, snack, water bottle, and weather-appropriate clothing to stay comfortable and happy outside. Depending on what the weather gives us, children may bring their own snowshoes, although this is optional. Discovery Southeast has 20 pairs of child-sized and 7 pairs of adult-sized snowshoes, which are available on a first come-first served sign-up basis. We can also help outfit your child with rubber boots or snowgear if needed -- please ask in advance.

Prices: $35 per day for Discovery Southeast members, $40 per day for non-members. Scholarships available -- call 463-1500 to inquire.

Transportation: 

Tuesday in South Douglas: No transportation provided. Dropoff at 9am (location TBA -- possibly at the parking lot on the end of St. Ann's avenue) and pickup at 3:30pm at the Treadwell Ice Arena. The children will be ice skating -- open skate lasts until 4pm that day, so children are free to stay and enjoy the rest of open skate under parent supervision!

Wednesday at Eagle Beach: Transportation provided. We have chartered a First Student Bus for this epic journey! Pickup at Harborview at 8:30am, pickup at Riverbend at 8:50am. Drop off at Riverbend at 3:40pm, drop off at Harborview at 4:00pm. Please be on time. 

To register:

Download the following registration form, print it out, complete it, and return with payment to our offices by fax, email or snail mail. You can also call us and we'll register your child over the phone or stop by our downtown office to drop forms off. We are located in the ArtiCorp Building at 4th and Harris in suite 208.

Call 463-1500 or visit the Discovery Days page for more information!

Do you know any college students or recent graduates with an interest in nature education and conservation? As of today, registration for the Alaska Conservation Foundation's internship with Discovery Southeast is open. 

2011 Intern Celeta Cook at Outdoor Explorers summer camp

Learn about and apply for the 2012 Alaska Conservation Foundation Internships.

All registration materials for this internship are due by midnight, Alaska time, on February 29, 2012.

Read the Discovery Southeast internship description below, quoted from the ACF website:

Host Organization:  Discovery Southeast

Title: Natural Science Educator

Location:  Juneau, AK

Website: www.discoverysoutheast.org

Description of Organization:  Discovery Southeast is a non-profit environmental education organization whose mission is to connect people to nature.  Discovery Southeast is devoted to experience-based, inquiry-driven natural history and conservation education programs for children, adults, students, and teachers in Southeast Alaska. We encourage a land and sea use ethic that recognizes our interdependent relationship with nature, and also recognizes the unique qualities of the Southeast Alaska coastal environment as a place to experience this relationship.

Duration: Twelve weeks: preferably June 4, 2012 through August 24, 2012, though there is some flexibility (Outdoor Explorers camp season runs June 11 – August 10).

Internship Assignment:  The Natural Science Intern will spend 70% of his/her time in the field leading, exploring and delivering Discovery Southeast’s hands-on environmental education program, Outdoor Explorers (OE), to youth ages 7-12.  This exciting and dynamic week-long day camp exposes youth to Juneau’s natural area through outdoor exploration, natural history, science based education, arts, crafts, and environmental education games and activities.  The intern receives training and experience in inquiry based, hands-on field leadership as well as conservation education and Southeast Alaska natural history.   The intern is also responsible for some coordination and administration of the OE program and reports to the Executive or Program Director while working closely with a lead naturalist and other program support staff.

The goals of this assignment are to have youth participants in Outdoor Explorers:

• explore the diversity of Southeast Alaska’s natural habitats,
• describe the natural communities found in the Juneau area
• demonstrate group skills and work together in a positive atmosphere
• learn and practice outdoor survival skills
• express and understanding and appreciation of the natural world through creative activities and conservation ethic
• learn how the ocean influences them and how they influence the ocean

Responsibilities:

• Assist with the planning, coordinating, and leadership of summer outdoor day-camps
• Prepare lessons and activities that focus on outdoor skills, natural history, and connections between nature and science-based principles
• Engage in outdoor procedures that emphasize safety, risk management, good judgment, positive group interaction, and personal leadership
• Perform administrative tasks in support of the Outdoor Explorers summer day camp program which includes handling registrations and communication with participant’s parents
• Assist when needed with the implementation of Discovery Southeast’s other community-based programs like Parade of Species, Teacher Expeditions and World Ocean Day
• Assist with driving a 15 passenger van upon approval. (Not required).

Qualifications:

• Prior experience in environmental education, backcountry travel, and natural history interpretation
• Desire and proven ability to work with diverse youth between the ages of 7 and 12
• Creative teaching and supervisory skills
• Ability to manage risk, provide positive leadership, and interact constructively with others
• Knowledge of Pacific Northwest/Southeast Alaska natural history preferred
• Ability to hike in difficult terrain and conditions while wearing a 10-20 lb. backpack
• Current First Aid/CPR required; Wilderness First Responder preferred
• Strong organizational, communication, and computer skills
• Valid driver’s license and proof of good driving record

Financial Support:  This is a paid internship with assistance in finding low-cost housing

Click here to apply (and to find out whether you are eligible).

Do you know any college students or recent graduates with an interest in nature education and conservation? As of today, registration for the Alaska Conservation Foundation's internship with Discovery Southeast is open. 

2011 Intern Celeta Cook at Outdoor Explorers summer camp

Learn about and apply for the 2012 Alaska Conservation Foundation Internships.

All registration materials for this internship are due by midnight, Alaska time, on February 29, 2012.

Read the Discovery Southeast internship description below, quoted from the ACF website:

Host Organization:  Discovery Southeast

Title: Natural Science Educator

Location:  Juneau, AK

Website: www.discoverysoutheast.org

Description of Organization:  Discovery Southeast is a non-profit environmental education organization whose mission is to connect people to nature.  Discovery Southeast is devoted to experience-based, inquiry-driven natural history and conservation education programs for children, adults, students, and teachers in Southeast Alaska. We encourage a land and sea use ethic that recognizes our interdependent relationship with nature, and also recognizes the unique qualities of the Southeast Alaska coastal environment as a place to experience this relationship.

Duration: Twelve weeks: preferably June 4, 2012 through August 24, 2012, though there is some flexibility (Outdoor Explorers camp season runs June 11 – August 10).

Internship Assignment:  The Natural Science Intern will spend 70% of his/her time in the field leading, exploring and delivering Discovery Southeast’s hands-on environmental education program, Outdoor Explorers (OE), to youth ages 7-12.  This exciting and dynamic week-long day camp exposes youth to Juneau’s natural area through outdoor exploration, natural history, science based education, arts, crafts, and environmental education games and activities.  The intern receives training and experience in inquiry based, hands-on field leadership as well as conservation education and Southeast Alaska natural history.   The intern is also responsible for some coordination and administration of the OE program and reports to the Executive or Program Director while working closely with a lead naturalist and other program support staff.

The goals of this assignment are to have youth participants in Outdoor Explorers:

• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">explore the diversity of Southeast Alaska’s natural habitats,
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">describe the natural communities found in the Juneau area
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">demonstrate group skills and work together in a positive atmosphere
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">learn and practice outdoor survival skills
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">express and understanding and appreciation of the natural world through creative activities and conservation ethic
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">learn how the ocean influences them and how they influence the ocean

Responsibilities:

• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Assist with the planning, coordinating, and leadership of summer outdoor day-camps
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Prepare lessons and activities that focus on outdoor skills, natural history, and connections between nature and science-based principles
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Engage in outdoor procedures that emphasize safety, risk management, good judgment, positive group interaction, and personal leadership
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Perform administrative tasks in support of the Outdoor Explorers summer day camp program which includes handling registrations and communication with participant’s parents
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Assist when needed with the implementation of Discovery Southeast’s other community-based programs like Parade of Species, Teacher Expeditions and World Ocean Day
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Assist with driving a 15 passenger van upon approval. (Not required).

Qualifications:

• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Prior experience in environmental education, backcountry travel, and natural history interpretation
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Desire and proven ability to work with diverse youth between the ages of 7 and 12
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Creative teaching and supervisory skills
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Ability to manage risk, provide positive leadership, and interact constructively with others
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Knowledge of Pacific Northwest/Southeast Alaska natural history preferred
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Ability to hike in difficult terrain and conditions while wearing a 10-20 lb. backpack
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Current First Aid/CPR required; Wilderness First Responder preferred
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Strong organizational, communication, and computer skills
• http://alaskaconservation.org/wp-content/themes/ACF/images/general/bulle...); background-attachment: scroll; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-position: 1px 6px; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; ">Valid driver’s license and proof of good driving record

Financial Support:  This is a paid internship with assistance in finding low-cost housing

Click here to apply (and to find out whether you are eligible).

A few years ago, Discovery Southeast was joined on their Bears of Admiralty Island Teacher Expedition by PBS Nature, which was filming footage for a future television program... and now that program is here!

Fortress of the Bears premieres Wednesday, January 25th, 8pm Alaska time. View more details and video clips at the Fortress of the Bears page on PBS Nature's website. 

Watch Fortress of the Bears - Preview on PBS. See more from Nature.

Interested in Teacher Expeditions? Registration is now open for the summer of 2012.

Looking for a unique and thrilling way to earn professional development credits? 

Alaska Geographic's 2012 Teacher Trainings are now open for registration (including Discovery Southeast's Teacher Expeditions!)

Alaska Geographic Teacher Trainings - be inspired by Alaska's wild classrooms

From their website:

"Every ecosystem and classroom is unique, so each Teacher Training is custom-designed. Some are based out of a field camp with rustic tent cabins, while others use charter boats, tents, or hotels for accommodations. Meals, lodging, equipment, and transportation are provided, unless otherwise stated. Most meals are served family-style, and are simple, hearty, and healthy."

Discovery Southeast offers three of these trainings - Brown Bears of Admiralty Island, Glaciers and Climate Change in Wild Alaska, and Whales of Icy Strait.

View all details on our Teacher Expeditions page.

Call 907-463-1500 to register!

These expeditions are made possible by the joint efforts of our outstanding partners: Above and Beyond Alaska, Alaska Discovery, Spirit Walker Expeditions, Alaska Geographic Association, USDA Forest Service, Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the University of Alaska Anchorage.

The National Park Service has announced a new conservation project under President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoor initiative! It will help communities implement over 200 natural resource conservation and recreation projects under their Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program (RTCA).

Examples of recent success in Alaska:

Goldstream Valley, Alaska- Kids and adults now have the opportunity to practice bike and safety skills at the Goldstream Valley Lions Club Pump Park. The bike pump park/skills course includes jumps, bumps and wooden structures used to help individuals practice their balance, breaking, jumping and other bike skills. The best part about the park is that people have the opportunity to increase their physical activity levels and develop the confidence they need to get out into the woods and mountain bike trails!

Homer, Alaska- With many partners involved, the goal is to develop a water trail from homer to the head of Kachemak Bay, the Kachemak Bay Water Trail. It will be 125 miles long, identifying market access points, landing areas, and a variety of facilities to increase the publics recreational and educational experiences in this marine ecosystem.

Palmer, Alaska- The Palmer Bike Park project hopes to build a bike park for children and adults. This will provide a safe and fun environment for individuals to gain the confidence and skills they need to get out on the local bike trails. This project will enable the city’s community to develop both economically and recreationally!

Skagway, Alaska- The Skagway Pullen Creek StreamWalk project will incorporate interpretive signs tieing together historical and natural history points along a walkway between Pullen Pond and the City Museum. The trail is set to be .5 miles, and will help to restore riparian and fish habitats by guiding foot traffic near the stream. The plan will also incorporate some education regarding salmon habitat and local watershed ecology.  

Sitka, Alaska- The Sitka NHP River View and Forest Walk Trails will provide locals with walking environments sustainably designed along the northwest side of Sitka National Historical Park. This project hopes to be a direct response to the community’s desire for more “in town” recreation. It will also meet the needs of park protection, and provide a number of natural and cultural resources to the community.  

Check out recent projects in your state! If you have a recreation or conservation idea for your community, get in touch with the National Park Service! 

Lisa Holzapfel- RTCA Alaska Program Manager

907.644-3586

lisa_holzapfel@nps.gov

Heather Rice-Outdoor Recreation Planner

907.644.3587

heather_rice@nps.gov

If you have not done so already, you should also "like" Americas Great Outdoor's on Facebook! 

Want to win $500 to donate to hands-on nature education?

Submit your "confession" to give to Discovery Southeast when you file for your PFD online. 

On January 17, 2012, Pick. Click. Give will choose one winner of $500 donated to a cause in the winner's name. Make sure to enter before 11:59pm on January 16. Open to Alaska residents only.

Enter the contest!

Read Official Contest Rules

***

Why give to Discovery Southeast?

Research shows that contact with nature can reduce obesity, crime, and violence, and can increase productivity at work and in school. Better social relationships, improved health, higher self-esteem, and more effective coping skills are all directly correlated with exposure to nature. Discovery Southeast's mission is to connect people with nature through our active educational programs, publications, and more.  

Your generous support helps us improve our programming and allows us to provide both full and partial scholarships to anyone in need for programs like Outdoor Explorers, Discovery Days, and Early Dismissal Mondays. Thank you for helping us bring nature education to the community.

You can support nature education and all the benefits it brings through Discovery Southeast when you file online for your PFD and Pick.Click.Give.

The Mountainfilm Festival is “dedicated to educating and inspiring audiences about issues that matter, cultures worth exploring, environments worth preserving and conversations worth sustaining” 

Mountainfilm in Telluride, CO started in 1979, and has since been recognized as one of America’s longest running film festivals to date. The festival compiles leading independent documentary films from all over the world. There is a combination of art, environmental awareness, conservation, adventure and academics. This video will give you a better idea of what it means to truly experience Mountainfilm.

What is Mountainfilm? from Mountainfilm in Telluride on Vimeo.

Discovery Southeast is co-hosting the Mountainfilm Festival with the Gold Town Theater this year. We are excited to bring these films about creative, adventurous, mountain life.

Catch These Films:

Saturday, January 14^th at Centennial Hall,7 P.M.

Sunday, January 15^th at Gold Town Theater, 2 & 4 P.M.

World Ocean Day is a wonderful day dedicated to the celebration of ocean life, but don’t you ever wonder what we can do for the other 364 days each year?

We can keep up with The Ocean Project, and remind ourselves of how important young people are in taking action for change. With the New Year, World Ocean Day partners are looking to empower youth, as they are seen as the Next Wave for Change! The Ocean Project has participated in research showing that the most promising members of the public are young people. It was found that young people are the most motivated and knowledgeable part of our population when it comes to environmental protection and action. 

 World Ocean Day Conest Artwork!

The Ocean Project is a global supporter of zoos, aquariums, museums (ZAM’s) and a variety of conservation organizations. The Ocean Project provides these organizations with tools and resources in order to effectively communicate with the public about protecting our ocean.

If you are someone interested in marine protected areas and ocean environments in general, it may be worth your time to be involved in protecting your local waters.

There has never been a better time than now to celebrate our world oceans! Thanks to The Ocean Project, there is an incredible program for WOD 2012, allowing us to take small action towards BIG change.

Become a Blue Planateer—weekly challenges will be posted, asking WOD fans to take small online actions to spread the word about WOD. Every challenge you answer, you will be entered to win a prize! 

Find out more information on the WOD Facebook page.