Photo courtesy of Burnie Schultz
The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center during autumn as seen from the pull out in Bear Valley.
By Lezlie Murray
Special to the Turnagain Times
The Begich, Boggs Visitor Center in Portage Valley is happy to announce their return to winter hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. starting Saturday, Nov. 7. The center will also open Dec. 28-31 to greet the public during the busy holiday season.
In addition, center staff will be there to assist the public during Anchorage Fur Rendezvous Feb. 26-March 7. Winter operation has been a tradition since the center first opened its doors in 1986, however, the past two winters the center has been closed due to budget cuts. Thanks to increased revenue, stemming from the change to the Recreation Fee Program this last summer, the Forest Service has made the decision to reopen this winter. The decision to open for subsequent winter operation will be decided on an annual basis. No recreation fee will be charged for the movie and the exhibits during this winter season. The center will return to a Recreation Fee for adult visitors next summer from May 24 through the end of September.
The facility offers award winning exhibits on the natural and cultural history of the Chugach National Forest, and the classic film, Voices From the Ice, which plays 13 times per day on the half-hour from 10:30 a.m. through the 4:30 p.m. showing. The center's Alaska Geographic Association bookstore offers compelling books, DVDs, maps and other educational products to enhance the visitor's knowledge about their public lands. In addition, the center is sponsoring a special exhibit ‘20 Years after the Spill' developed by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council, as well as an exhibit on climate change from the National Park Service.
If you have questions about the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center, its educational programs, or about facility rental please contact Lezlie Murray, Visitor Center Director at llmurray01@fs.fed.us or at 907-754-2316.
