By Kelly MillerSpecial to the Turnagain Times
By Kelly Miller
Special to the Turnagain Times
This Saturday and Sunday July 21st and 22nd the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center will conduct free guided walking tours to the Point—a piece of land where Turnagain Arm comes to an end. The “Point” is the future site of the Turnagain Arm Estuary/Tidal Flats Learning Center (artists concept of future Point Building at right) which will be constructed on 11 acres of scenic and unique property. This exceptional parcel of land has been set aside to provide an elevated viewing area of one of the most picturesque places in Alaska.
The center will be located on a point of land where the glaciated valleys of Portage, Placer and 20 Mile all converge on the silty soils of Turnagain Arm. Thousands of birds can be viewed in this migratory flyway as they pass between Prince William Sound and Cook Inlet. Marine and terrestrial wildlife can also be viewed from this location as extreme tides with fluctuations of over 35 feet fill and drain this natural basin twice a day.
The center will be available for use year-round and will house interpretive displays on tides, marine life, migratory birds, glaciology and geology. In the spring, birding groups can take advantage of the bird counting opportunities from this location. Summer visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along the boardwalk path that follows the banks of Turnagain Arm. Telescopes and interpretive signage are available to enhance the visitors viewing and educational experience. Fall bird migrations once again attract ornithology interests along with the Beluga whales which follow migrating salmon up nearby streams. The center can also be rented out after hours or during the off season and is available to host special events such as weddings, conference receptions, overnight fieldtrips and lectures. Bathrooms and a small catering kitchen are part of the facility.
Construction will begin when 75 percent of the funding is secured through marine foundations, oceanic conservation organizations and government agencies.
One of the three major cruise lines has expressed interest in being a partner. Tours to the lupine covered site will take you through the wood bison pastures. Guided tours by AWCC college interns will be at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tours are free with normal cost of admission.
Kelly Miller is the Director of Education for the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center in Portage