Perhaps one of the most enjoyable journeys to visit nature in the raw is one that takes place within the boundaries of the United States herself. People travel from around the globe to visit the frozen tundra of Alaska where we like to believe the Wild West still exists to some extent. The panorama from boat, train or dog sled is absolutely astounding and the sheer vastness will draw you in and leave you awestruck. One fabulous location to visit, on our quest for a wildlife adventure, is the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Established to preserve the herds of caribou, polar bears, grizzly bears, migratory birds such as the peregrine falcon, dall sheep, muskox, wolverines, and many, many other species, this refuge also serves to ensure water quality and quantity in our great north.Currently claiming a diverse population that includes 43 fish species, 37 land mammals, 8 marine mammals, and over 195 bird species, both migratory and resident, the refuge will not disappoint even the most die hard of nature lovers among us. And the chances of visiting this refuge and going home with your camera empty are nonexistent. As you travel through this region you will actually have the opportunity to visit five different ecological areas. Undisturbed lands covered with lagoons, beaches, salt marshes, the tundras of the coastal plain, the alpine tundra and the forest tundra transition, and the boreal forest full of tall spruce, birch and aspen.You may feel as though you have traveled across time when you come upon a herd of Muskoxen grazing on sweet spring grass shoots along the rivers of the open coastal plain. It is easy to picture these majestic giants feeding alongside a woolly mammoth with their thick, warm coats and their sharp, protective horns. Yet, not long ago these mammals were reintroduced to this area after a 100 year lapse in residency.For birders, this refuge is a delight like few others. The variety of birds that find their way to this refuge for the summer months is absolutely phenomenal. You will be able to complete several missing pages of your journal with just one visit. I would strongly urge you to bring a sound recording device of some sort as well. You can never reproduce the song of a bird in the wild and here, on the refuge, you will have ample opportunity to capture those melodies. The buff-breasted sandpiper is just one of many unique shore birds that you will have the chance to enjoy during your visit so be sure to bring plenty of memory cards for your camera. You will not be able to download this stuff fast enough and you don't want to miss the opportunity to catch a peregrine falcon in mid-hunt.There is so much to see and do in the Alaskan wilderness that you could, literally, spend a month there and be left with a wish list to fulfill on your next journey north. However, by visiting the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge you have gained an insight into just how rich, majestic and historic this great state is and what an awesome part of our country lies just to our north. Steeped in mystery, perhaps, but yours to discover nonetheless.TRAVEL GREEN!
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