NPS PHOTO

Fireweed in bloom

Alaska's public lands encompass large natural areas that display a wealth of geological and biological diversity. Considered by scientists as "living laboratories," these lands provide opportunities to study natural processes and the effects of human activities.   

Understanding the natural processes at work on public lands provides a continual challenge to state and federal agencies. These agencies are doing the best they can to study and preserve the environment for people to enjoy. Environments set aside as public lands provide largely intact ecosystems filled with threatened or endangered species making for a unique viewing and/or scientific experience.

Alaska's public lands contain intact biological communities that serve as benchmarks against which to measure change. As such they have global significance.

As home to many natural and scientific wonders, Alaska's public lands offer special opportunities for observing and learning about nature and science.

Fossils in Alaska - Alaska has its share of fossils, from Woolly Mammoths to Dinosaurs. Find out what you are supposed to do if you find a fossil at http://alaskacenters.gov/fossil-collecting.cfm

Earthquakes - Learn about Alaska's earthquakes and its position on the Ring of Fire at http://alaskacenters.gov/earthquakes.cfm

Wildlife in Alaska - See just how diverse Alaska's amazing wildlife really is at http://alaskacenters.gov/wildlife-in-alaska.cfm

Glaciers in Alaska - Alaska's glaciers are world famous. Learn about glaciers and viewing opportunities at http://alaskacenters.gov/glaciers.cfm

Aurora Borealis - Learn about the amazing northern lights in Alaska at http://alaskacenters.gov/aurora.cfm

Minerals in Alaska - Alaska's natural resources have always played a big role in development, so check out some facts about the minerals at http://alaskacenters.gov/minerals.cfm

The Wood Frog - Learn about one of Alaska's only frogs, with an astounding survival technique, at http://alaskacenters.gov/wood-frog.cfm