Activity Level: Active
Monday, August 12, 2013
Time: 9:00 am for an all day field trip

Frank Keim will lead a birding field trip to Wickersham Dome in search of migrating birds like the wheatear and American pipit. In past years we have seen them up there at that time of year.
We will meet at the Fox Store at 9:00 am and carpull from there. Bring binoculars, bird book, lunch and rain coat. Contact Frank Keim at 451-9308.

Activity Level: Active
Monday, August 19, 2013
Time: 10:00 am
Cost: $5 paid directly to Ruth 

Join Ruth Knapman for a leisurely two hour walking tour through downtown Fairbanks and learn about the history of various buildings, memorials and other interesting sites. No need to bring your note pad. After the tour all participans will receive a hand out of the places you visited. We will go ahead with the tour rain or shine. Please come prepared for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
The group will meet at the Morris Thompson Cultural & Visitors Center at 10:00 am. 

 

Activity level: Moderate
Monday, June 17, 2013   
Time: 2:30 – 5:00 PM (2 consecutive tours)
Cost: Free

It is difficult to describe the Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility in a few sentences. The Permafrost tunnel was excavated from 1963–1969 for the study of permafrost, geology, ice science, and the mining and construction techniques specific to permafrost environments. It is best to see the fascinating features of the tunnel yourself , including frozen animal bones, preserved plant life, and various types of ice formations .
Experienced permafrost tunnel guide Peter Prokein will be sharing his knowledge and answer questions about the tunnel. Please note that the tunnel is kept under 28 degrees at all times. The ground is uneven and sometimes slippery. It can get quite dusty as well. It is required that you wear closed-toed shoes and recommended to bring your winter jacket. The tour is 1 hour long, including safety briefing and 40 min underground. The group will meet at the tunnel visitors’ center located near Fox. There is a maximum of 15 people per group on a first-come first-served basis. (30 participants total)
If you would like we can all meet after the tour at the Silver Gulch for dinner.
Please contact the OLLI office 474-6607 to register.

Activity level: Easy
Thursday, June 27, 2013
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Cost: Free

 
Barbara and Warren Smith are calling their native grass seed production operation in North Pole “The Project.” Warren grew up on a farm in Wyoming and came to Alaska in 1967. After his regular full time job, he spends his late summer hours and weekends on the tractor working the fields. What was a part-time hobby has turned into his full-time labor of love. He is happy to share his experience and knowledge with visitors.
Directions to the farm: Drive south on the Richardson Hwy. Turn right onto Eielson farm road. Go 4 3/4 miles and turn right on Saw mill trail and follow the Smith signs to the farm. There is plenty parking available. If it should rain this field trip will be moved to the next day Friday, June 28.
We need a head count, please register with the OLLI office 474-6607

Activity Level: Moderate
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Time: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm
Cost: Free

If you like licorice you probably remember coal candy from the Usibelli Coal Mine booth at the state fair. Long time Alaska resident and Usibelli Coal Mine employee Bill Brophy is giving OLLI the opportunity to tour the coal mine and show us real coal. Bill has worked 12 years at the mine and is passionate about sharing his experience and knowledge with visitors. The coal mine is located in the mountains of the Alaska Range near Healy, 115 miles south of Fairbanks. Please join us for a 2 – 3 hour guided tour. Upon arrival at the gate, Bill will go over safety procedures and have visitors sign a waiver. The tour starts at the Usibelli Coal Mine headquarters where you will hear about the 70-year history and state-of-the- art engineering of the mine. The tour then continues by van through the coal pit, dragline and modern mining equipment. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and good walking shoes. The group meets at the gate at 9:30 AM. Please count on 2 hours driving time to Healy and time for Lunch in Healy after the tour. The number of participants is limited. Spaces will be filled on a first-come first-served basis.
Please contact the OLLI office 474-6607 to register.

Due to a long waitlist an second tour is scheduled for Thursday, July 11. 

Thursday July 18, 2013   2:00 – 4:00 PM

Take the afternoon off and join us for a visit at North Pole Peonies Farm, located 15 Miles outside of North Pole near Eielson Air Force Base. Marji Illingworth is leading a 2 hour tour through the farm. It is a treat to see and experience the fields with their many varieties and stunning peony flowers.

Cost of the tour is $5 per person collected on site. Restrooms available.
Please get directions to North Pole Peonies on the website (click below).

Activity level: Moderate

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