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Fish and Game

Anchorage Coastal
Wildlife Refuge

Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge extends from Point Woronzof southeast to Potter Creek, a distance of 16 miles, but is best known for that portion located between the Old and New Seward highways called "Potter Marsh." Potter Marsh was created in 1917 with construction of the Alaska Railroad embankment.

wildlife viewing
Potter Marsh Podcasts

Click on a podcast below to listen to audio natural history tours of Potter Marsh, organized by each of the four seasons. These audio tours were funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and produced by ADF&G in partnership with Audubon Alaska and the Bird Treatment and Learning Center and Friends of the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge (FAR). Thanks to Ken Flynn of the Raven’s Nest for the audio production and editing.

Birds

Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, with its extensive tidal flats, marsh communities, and alder-bog forest, supports some of the greatest numbers and diversity of birds in the Anchorage area. At least 130 bird species have been sighted in the refuge. Premier viewing occurs at Potter Marsh. Peak concentrations can be viewed during the spring migration from late April through mid-May when waterbirds stop on their way to breeding grounds to the north and again in late July and August when shorebirds begin to flock up in preparation for their migration to southern wintering grounds.

A diversity of waterbirds can also be found nesting in Potter Marsh. The most conspicuous and well-known is the lesser Canada goose, one of five subspecies of Canada goose found in Alaska. There are approximately 15-20 nesting pairs that provide entertainment each summer with the antics of their large "gosling nurseries." Other waterbirds commonly found in the marsh include mallards, northern pintails, northern shovelers, American wigeons, canvasbacks, red-necked grebes, horned grebes, yellowlegs, and northern phalaropes. Arctic terns and mew gulls are common nesters at the marsh. During migration, trumpeter or tundra swans, snow geese, short-earred owls, and an occasional pair of Pacific loons may be sighted. Northern harriers and bald eagles are often seen as well.

Mammals

gosling nursery Moose and muskrats are commonly found on the refuge. Moose are sometimes seen feeding on aquatic or shrubby vegetation in Potter Marsh. The marsh supports a resident population of muskrats that constructs "pushups," piles of vegetation used for feeding and resting, scattered throughout the wetlands. An old beaver lodge at the back of Potter Marsh is a reminder of the presence of beaver. Coyotes, least weasels, mink, snowshoe hares, red squirrels, voles, and shrews are also residents of the refuge. Lynx, river otters, red fox, and black and brown bears are infrequent visitors.

Fish

arctic tern Rabbit Creek, Little Rabbit Creek, and Little Survival Creek, which flow into Potter Marsh, all support populations of pink, coho, and chinook salmon and Dolly Varden char. An ideal mix of fresh and salt water combined with a nutrient-rich environment contribute to the importance of Potter Marsh as a juvenile fish-rearing area. Salmon fry, sticklebacks, and sculpins are found throughout the marsh, providing food for summer birds, including arctic terns. Arctic grayling have been observed very occasionally.

Campbell Creek, which flows through the middle of the refuge, supports wild populations of pink, chum, sockeye, and chinook salmon, Dolly Varden, and the ubiquitous sticklebacks and sculpins. The creek is stocked with rainbow trout and coho salmon. Northern pike were illegally introduced into the system in summer 2000.

Public Use and Access

Thousands of people stop to view wildlife at Potter Marsh each year. It is easily Anchorage's most popular wildlife haven. Parking areas, an elevated boardwalk, and interpretive signs along the New Seward Highway provide wildlife enthsiasts with an excellent vantage point for viewing and photography. However, when near the highway viewers must always take extreme care with traffic travelling at high speeds.

Feeding wildlife is prohibited. To protect wildlife from disturbance during summer months, visitors to Potter Marsh are restricted to boardwalks and roadsides. Visitors can observe adult chinook, coho and pink salmon returning to Rabbit Creek to spawn. Juvenile fish are often seen in the marsh below the boardwalk

Just west of the New Seward Highway, the Rabbit Creek Rifle Range offers a safe place to learn firearm safety, sight-in rifles, and practice target shooting year-round.

In the fall, waterfowl hunters use the flats, with access through Johns and Oceanview municipal parks. To ensure wildlife viewing opportunities and public safety, portions of the refuge, including Potter Marsh, are closed to hunting. Safety precautions on the tideflats are also essential. Incoming tides are high and move faster than a person can run. An unwary adventurer may get stuck in the sticky mud of Turnagain Arm.

Winter freeze-up often brings a wind-blown ice surface to Potter Marsh that is enjoyed by ice skaters and model airplane enthusiasts.

For more information on the Anchorage Coastal State Refuge please refer to the Anchorage Coastal Management Plan (PDF file K).