Abraham Lincoln once said, "Things come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle." That’s a feeling I get from time to time and especially when it’s busy at the AAPLIC. Yet, in the midst of a fast pace of life symbolized by such sentiment, the task of informing visitors and doing it well gains importance. Not only are the people we contact hustling in their daily lives, many of them hustle through their recreation as well. Although some of them are looking to slow things down in order to "wait" for meanings to become clear, many carry an unconscious expectation to see and do things right away. Modern technology and electronic media contribute by helping them do just exactly that.

Consequently, we usually have only a few moments during our visitor encounters to create the opportunities for them to connect with our resources. If they do find something of value for themselves, we often will not know. We listen carefully, and use our informational tools to help themalong. Our perceptions are honed to pick up subtle inflections or body language to dictate which facts to provide and with which emphasis. In between listening and answering, an instant sometime occurs when we can share a story or insight with meaning that may not be realized until long after they have left the center. It’s these instants that hold most promise for us in gaining their appreciation.

Visitation and use in the Anchorage center increased 5% over last year. Our daily average has grown from 150 (in January) to over 200 (March) visitors in the center each day. After several options were explored, the information desk was re-arranged with the sales area to improve access for staff and visitors alike (and consolidate unused space).

In accommodating this increase in visitor use, we enjoyed the excellent visitor contact skills of Elsie Dillewaard, a permanent park ranger from Kenai Fjords NP, who was detailed here for about 10 weeks this winter. Elsie participated in training activities, helped to set up and maintain a new computer-based reservation system for public use cabins in Kenai Fjords, and generally became invaluable to us during our Fur Rondy and Iditarod winter events. She reluctantly returned to her duties in Seward on April 1^st. Based on her success, however, Park Superintendent Anne Castellina has approached us to sponsor a similar exchange or detail in future winters as well.

Education programs were booked continuously through this quarter. Both on- and off-site activities were in high demand. This year we tested the feasibility of occasionally serving schools and communities in the Mat-Su valley, with excellent results. Programs were provided on a two occasions and were scheduled as day trips, to reduce travel time and expense and eliminate the need for staff overnight lodging or accommodations.

Other special events featured the volunteers of the Bird Treatment and Learning Center and natural history readings from our own "Dr. Suess" on his birthday, March 2nd. Students, parents and a surprising number of adults came to enjoy the "Lorax" among other stories. The success of this event has encouraged us to make it an annual celebration in future years.

The newly completed 2005 Strategic plan for AAPLIC includes a goal specifically targeting our educational programs. These offerings have been particularly effective in capturing young audiences and encouraging a lasting positive impression of the significance of the resources and agencies we serve. Other educational projects such as the Wild Neighbors workbook continue to enjoy rave responses from the educational community. Progress is being made on the associated web-site still scheduled to be on-line this summer.

ANHA sales continue to be down for the year, although some improvement has been noted during March. Overall numbers show a 25% decline in sales compared to sales for the first half of last year. As a means of improving access to the sales area, and in order to increase its appeal, we re-modeled the entrance area of the center in early March. A seating area is

Miscellaneous Items of interest:

Winners will be announced in May for the annual National Parks week poster contest for local Anchorage students and classes. Prizes are awarded for all grade levels that submit entries. National Park Week is April 16 – 22! Summer film and special events schedule will be out May 1st. ANILCA will be commemorated

Natural History training was provided this spring for three groups of motor-coach drivers and tour assistants from Princess Tours and Alaska Sightseeing companies. These sessions were conducted on weekends and served about 30 participants. This is the second year that we’ve offered this training; company response has been very enthusiastic.

Summer hours of operation will begin on May 27^th and remain in effect through Sept. 4^th, 2000. The AAPLIC will be open expanded hours this season, from 9am – 7pm daily.