Check out the new videos from Outdoor Explorers 2010!

June 8 is World Ocean Day!

The film A Sea Change will be shown at the Gold Town Nickelodeon on Tuesday, June 8, at 7 pm. Event is free.  This is a powerful movie about ocean acidification.  Local scientist and ocean acidification expert, Jeff Short is in the movie. Jeff will be available after the June 8th showing to answer questions.  

It’s a frightening premise, and it’s happening right now. A Sea Change follows the journey of retired history teacher Sven Huseby on his quest to discover what is happening to the world’s oceans. After reading Elizabeth Kolbert’s “The Darkening Sea,” Sven becomes obsessed with the rising acidity of the oceans and what this “sea change” bodes for mankind. His quest takes him to Alaska, California, Washington, and Norway as he uncovers a worldwide crisis that most people are unaware of. Speaking with oceanographers, marine biologists, climatologists, and artists, Sven discovers that global warming is only half the story of the environmental catastrophe that awaits us. Excess carbon dioxide is dissolving in our oceans, changing sea water chemistry. The more acidic water makes it difficult for tiny creatures at the bottom of the food web to form their shells. The effects could work their way up to the fish 1 billion people depend upon for their source of protein.

Still looking for something fun for the kids this summer? Join Discovery Southeast in Outdoor Explorers! There are spots still availbale in all seesions. Check out the Outdoor Explorers section on te website for more information and call 463-1500 to sign up!

Come join Discovery Southeast for another Discovery Day on Thursday, April 22nd! Think on the sunny side of spring and take a hike out at the end of North Douglas. We will learn about birds, terrestrial mammals, forest succession, and marine life if it should happen to swim by. We will meet at Harborview Elementary at 9am for pickup. Transportation will be provided. We will drop off the kids at 3pm at Harborview so make sure to pack a lunch! So jump into spring with a fun hike! To sign up, please call 463-1500 or email oceaned@discoverysoutheast.org.

The annual Discovery Southeast Auction this past weekend was a huge success thanks to everyone who attended! We had about 350 people come out to support Discovery and it was a night full of music, great food, and amazing auction items. Thank you again to everyone's support of Discovery Southeast and nature education!

    Earlier this year, some Alaskans who filed online for their Permanent Fund Dividend reported difficulties in making donations through the PFD Charitable Contributions Program, also known as "Pick.Click.Give."

   The PFD Division is committed to ensuring all online PFD applicants this year have an opportunity to Pick.Click.Give. and we are pleased to let you know that you'll get a second chance to make donations between April 5 and May 31, 2010. This option is available to all Alaskans who filed online whether or not they were successful in donating when they filed.

   Pick.Click.Give. provides a safe and secure way for Alaskans to donate a portion of their PFD to their favorite Alaska cause. The program is in its second year and has already made a significant contribution to improving the lives of Alaskans in need of housing, food support, emergency services, and more.

   Search the list of eligible nonprofit organizations for those that focus on the cause most important to you here: http://www.pickclickgive.org/pfd. You will NOT be able to make contributions from that site.

   Thank you for your patience as we worked to provide this second chance to donate. We hope you will mark your calendar and return to the PFD website www.pfd.alaska.gov on April 5th to make your contribution and encourage others to take advantage of this special opportunity. Alaska's nonprofits often give Alaskans a second chance - for a home, for a meal, for a better life - now you have a second chance to make their impact even bigger.

Don't know what to do over spring break? Come join Discovery Southeast on Friday March, 26th for another Discovery Day up at Eaglecrest! We will be snowshoeing from 10am to 2pm. Snowshoes will be provided by Discovery Southeast! In the afternoon from 1pm to 3pm, we will have a backcountry skills session with Juneau Mountain Rescue and Eaglecrest Ski Patrol for all of you who can ski the west side of the mountain. To sign up or for more information, call our office at 463-1500. We can't wait to see you all!

21st ANNUAL AUCTION - DINNER - FUNDRAISER
Saturday, April 3rd from 5 PM - 8:30 PM
Centennial Hall
Dinner catered by Abby's Kitchen
Silent and Outcry Auctions
Are You Smarter Than A Naturalist???

TICKET PRICES.......BUY EARLY AND SAVE
Available at Hearhtside Books, Rainy Retreat Books, Observatory Bookstore
Advance Adult $25, at the door $35
Advance Family $60, at the door $70
Five and under FREE
6-12 year olds $10, Students $15

Don't forget to get your Backcountry Film Festival tickets! The shows are Tuesday, February 23rd and Wednesday, February 24th. The show is at 7pm and doors open at 6:30 at the Goldtown Nickelodeon. Come and check out some great winter films! Contact the Goldtown Nickelodeon or call our office at 463-1500 for more information and tickets.

February is time for another Discovery Day up at Eaglecrest! On Monday, February 15th, the Juneau school district has the day off from classes and Discovery Southeast would like to welcome everyone to join us on a snowshoe hike! We will be talking about tracking, snow crystals, and avalanche predictions. It will be a fun-filled day and a chance to make the most of your holiday! Snowshoes and snacks will be provided. We will meet at the Eaglecrest lodge at 10am and we will go until about 3pm. To sign your child up, call us at 463-1500. We look forward to seeing everyone there!