Driftwood The first week I was in Juneau (April 2013), my buddy Michelle Sydeman invited me for a walk within Eagle Beach State Recreation Area. Showcasing a white sand beach, the recreation area offers seemingly forever views of the Chilkat
Slip Sliding Away, II| Visitor Access to Rapidly Retreating Mendenhall Glacier Proposed by US Forest Service
According to a recent report by the U.S. Global Change Research Program, Alaska is among the fastest warming regions on Earth. In fact, 2019 was the hottest summer ever recorded in Alaska. I can attest to that as 2019 was
Slip Sliding Away: Addressing receding glaciers is a slippery slope
Needless to say, seeing my first glacier in Juneau, Alaska in 2013 left me in awe and slack-jawed. It is a vivid memory; an imposing valley glacier glistening white with a topaz blue terminus, cradled between craggy, yet majestic, snow-capped
A Coyote is so Much More Than a Cat-Eating Canidae
Interpreting the Misinterpreted
Cover Photo ©Wally Nussbaumer for projectcoyote.org — Coyotes adapt easily to living near people. In fact, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s (ADF&G) coyote profile states, “In the wake of man’s relentless expansion into wildlife’s domain, few species have
So Mushing Fun – Norris Glacier Dog Sled Adventure
As a naturalist/tour guide for Gastineau Guiding Company, I spend summers leading mountain hikes and glacier viewing walks through the lofty conifers of the majestic Tongass National Forest. And if that was not happiness enough, I also lead humpback whale watching
Juneau’s Long Summer Days Boost Wildflower Blooms
Whereas we walk thorough a meadow and see a cornucopia of colorful flowers, hundreds of years ago, Alaska’s indigenous people saw a grocery, a pharmacy, as many native plants are edible and have medicinal properties and uses. *** Many visitors
Wildlife Wednesday: Very Beary Fun
In most U.S. states, we find islands of nature surrounded by a sea of humanity. Alaska on the other hand, has islands of humanity surrounded by a sea of nature. The capital city of Juneau is a prime example. Juneau is home to
Whalicious Wednesday – August
Southeast Alaska’s summer cruise ship season may be winding down for 2015, but the humpback whales’ bubblenet feeding behavior and acrobatic antics just keep going, going, going. Most of the breeching, pectoral flipper slapping, tail lobbing, peduncle slaps and spyhopping appear to be the
Happy Trails – The Magical Wildflower Meadows of Mt. Roberts
One of my favorite Juneau hikes traverses through the seemingly magical alpine meadows of Mt. Roberts, about 2,000 feet above sea level and downtown Juneau. Reaching the wildflower blazon meadows is a strenuous 2+ mile adventure if you are not
Adventures of an Alaskan Naturalist — February meeting of the American Cetacean Society/OC
Want to know why I am so mesmerized by Juneau and its marine mammals? Drop into my presentation on my experiences with Alaska whales at the February meeting of the American Cetacean Society/OC meeting. It’s free to attend. Thursday, February