Hundreds of people turned out for the Grand Opening of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge’s new Visitors Center May 30.
Andy Loranger said they were pleased with the interest and hope to create a place for both locals and visitors to visit multiple times.
Loranger: “The aim is to provide a window into the refuge, those of us who live and spend time on the Kenai and one the Kenai Refuge we understand just how wonderful a place this is, how special the refuge is and how many great opportunities to get out there in the outdoors and recreate. The visitors center is aimed at helping people understand the refuge’s role in conserving the fish and wildlife resources that we all enjoy so much as well as sparking an interest and learning about getting out there.”
Even walking towards the new building is a treat as a life sized bronze moose greets you at the top of the walkway.
Inside the exhibits range from glaciers to salmon migrations and beavers to brown bears, each with a wealth of information on display.
Lowell and Vanessa Perry brought their two children Isaac and Solomon to the opening and said the exhibits really showcased the beauty of Alaska.
Vanessa: “Especially now that we have kids we can kind of show them, the displays are fun and they make them visual and very hands on so that’s nice for little kids.”
The new visitors center is open seven days a week through the summer.
