Newsletter for Spring 2006

Message from the Hay Flats
Springtime greetings to our members and supporters! Surely, it must be spring in Southcentral. Last of the winter’s snow is melting, sunrise comes earlier, the warming sun arcs higher, and evenings grow longer before sunset. All this means the greening can’t be too far away.

Adding to our annual uplifting of spirits on these longer days is the daily arrival of migrating and nesting geese, ducks, swans, sandhill cranes, and raptors. Reports have been coming in of snow geese and swans by the hundreds stopping to rest on the Hay Flats. Mallards, widgeons and pintails have been spotted on the melting wetland ponds, and the annual arrival of nesting Canada geese can be “heard” for miles. And, of course, the elegant sandhill cranes are arriving daily, calling with their distinct, ancient primeval voice as they end their long journey and stake out their nesting territories.

Offering distinct, seasonal enjoyment opportunities for all, springtime on the Hay Flats is surely one of its most wonderful times. Don’t miss it. Grab those rubber boots and binoculars, take a drive to Reflections Lake, Rabbit Slough or Cottonwood Creek, shake off breakup, and feel the awakening. It’s your place to enjoy!

Coming Up
April 29th - First annual Celebrate Spring Migration Member/Supporters Meeting

May 6th – Annual Cleanup at Reflections Lake

May 13th – Annual Reflections Lake Walkabout

May 20th – Annual Cleanup at Cottonwood Creek

Volunteer!
If you have experience in any of the following, please consider helping APH in our current and future endeavors.

• Grant resources and submissions
• Graphic design assistance
• Architectural design
• Accounting expertise

Work projects are ongoing, so if you can help with labor or in-kind services/donations, it would be greatly appreciated.  Contact us to volunteer.

We also have special need for a “Volunteer Liaison” to work closely with the Board. Please call 373-7484, or email kabshire@PalmerHayFlats.org, or melliott@PalmerHayFlats.org for details.

Winter Quarter Review
January was in a deep, deep freeze, but our first annual Winter Family Fun Day at Reflections Lake was enjoyed by all, in spite of it. The temperature *warmed up* to 0 degrees, yet over 60 adults and almost two dozen kids ventured out into the exquisite white winter day to enjoy ice skating on the lake, assisted by ex-pro skater David DiCaprio. Snowshoes and x-country skis were provided by R.E.I.; ice skates, warming barrels and logistical support provided by Mat-Su Borough Parks & Recreation; trails information and energy snacks from Alaska Trails; and, of course, the signature hot cocoa and cookies arrived with the APH Board of Directors. It was a quintessential Alaska winter wonderland, enjoyed by all.

February gave notice of our small grant approval from the Mat-Su Borough Bed Tax Grant funds. Scout Ridge trailhead and overlook improvements are badly needed, and this reimbursable grant will greatly assist them. We will rely a great deal on volunteer work and in-kind contributions for this project. If you would like to assist, contact alaskans@palmerhayflats.org.

Good things from good folks just keep happening! Professional photographers Fred and Randi Hirschman, and Tim Remick as well, have allowed our use of their spectacular Palmer Hay Flats images. Driving across the Flats offers little understanding of this special place. To see its exquisite beauty through the eyes of those who have ventured deeper into its midst is informative, inspirational and inviting. We thank them deeply.

Our first slide show presentation about the history, flora and fauna of the Hay Flats, and our organization’s beginnings as well, was presented and well received at the quarterly meeting of Glenn Highway National Scenic Byway Commission. As time passes, Reflections Lake, with improved trails and low-key public use facilities, is destined to become a frequent Glenn Highway stop for independent travelers, packaged and eco-tours throughout the summer months.

Palmer High School teacher Rod Christianson invited our slide presentation to his ecology class. What a great opportunity to bring awareness to our youth about the living laboratory right outside their door! And, from this experience we’ve received an ambitious offer to work with a young Eagle Scout on building the Reflections Lake slough bridge. As well, we have heard from two more students offering to help with our annual cleanups. Hats off to visionary, community oriented youth!

March brought great news with our official IRS 501(c)(3) non-profit designation. This is a major step in a great future for the Refuge and the community that supports it. We will now be able to provide tax deductible documentation for donations and in-kind contributions. This is a major accomplishment for our one-year old fledgling organization!

We also began the first steps to future projects with the local chapter of Ducks Unlimited. Autumn is harvest time for responsible hunters, and we look forward to partnering with D.U., Alaska's Retrievers Clubs and other responsible hunter groups to further enhance their experience. Much needed trailhead upgrades at Cottonwood Creek and Rabbit Slough, major hunting access points, are high on the priority list.
More events are in the works for the summer months. Each of our events requires organizational and logistical support. Please contact us if you would like to help.
 

Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and responsible stewardship of the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge through conservation, public awareness, education and enhancement projects.