About This BlogResource Management staff often conduct research and field observations in areas of the park few others will ever see. Use this blog to discover new places and current research happening in Kenai Fjords National Park this summer. Investigating Seasonal Snow Accumulation
June 04, 2013
The Harding Icefield and its many glaciers make up a large area of Kenai Fjords National Park. Resource Management staff work to monitor key indicators of a glacier's health, such as whether it is gaining or losing mass over time. Read what challenges and joys arise with this research. Welcome to the 2013 Field Season!
June 03, 2013
Welcome, readers! This blog will allow you to read about all of the field research that is taking place in Kenai Fjords National Park from first-hand accounts by the park researchers themselves. This post is an introduction to the Resource Management team and what you can look forward to reading about this summer. Keeping Tabs on Tunicates and Crabs
September 24, 2012
Here's an update on monitoring for invasive crustaceans and tunicates in Kenai Fjords National Park... Fly or Float? A glaucous-winged gull story (Part 2 of 2)
September 05, 2012
NPS researcher, Nicole Dewberry, provides some insight on her experience working on the seabird monitoring protocol development study with UAF MS student, Jen Curl. Nicole was lucky enough to participate in many boat-based surveys throughout the summer season. Fly or Float? A glaucous-winged gull story (Part 1 of 2)
August 29, 2012
What is it like from a student’s perspective to conduct research in a national park? Let University of Alaska Fairbanks MS student, Jen Curl, describe a bit of her 2012 field experience… The Society of River Otters
August 23, 2012
Check out what research is being conducted to learn more about river otter behavior and their effects on the entire Kenai Fjords coastal ecosystem! Camps on the Coast, Water in the Waders
August 16, 2012
The coast of KEFJ is a series of fjords. Born of glaciers, this sinuous collection of bays, coves, and lagoons are now often ruled by wind, waves, and rain. Yet, kayakers seek these areas for solitude, scenery, tide-pooling, whale-watching, and seal-seeking opportunities. One of the responsibilities of resource management is to monitor potential impacts of visitor use. In late July, with the assistance of the Marine Vessel Serac, six KEFJ staff did just that… Observations From the Intertidal Zone
July 24, 2012
Not only do scientists at Kenai Fjords National Park monitor the land and sea, but also the nexus between the two. The intertidal zone along the coast can provide insight to the well being of these systems. Here is a little story on sampling critters as the tides ebb and flow... Wading Through Wetlands
July 20, 2012
Wetland determinations and delineations require hard work bushwhacking through thick and thorny vegetation and once at your destination you may be greeted with swarms of biting insects. Read what it is like to dig into wetland soils and tromp around wet areas along the Exit Glacier Road corridor... Kenai Fjords' Soundscape
July 10, 2012
The soundscape, what we hear, is an often overlooked aspect of ecosystem health and function. Researchers at Kenai Fjords have been periodically monitoring the soundscape of high visitation areas for a few years. To do so takes patience and a keen awareness to listen for 60 minutes. Read all about it here... Rappelling into the Realms of Raptors
July 02, 2012
Rappelling to the nests of peregrine falcons and bald eagles is a unique experience and justified by the importance of monitoring these species for the good of the Kenai Fjords ecosystem. In May our research staff and partners surveyed several sites along the coast. What follows is a brief report of their experience. Chasing a Retreating Glacier
June 22, 2012
Glaciers are magnificent bodies of flowing ice. Whether the glaciers at Kenai Fjords National Park are advancing or retreating is a common question among visitors and staff alike. Since 2008 Resource Management staff have carefully mapped Exit Glacier’s terminus to track its movement over time. Flying With Eagles
June 14, 2012
Resource Management staff have conducted annual helicopter-based surveys of the bald eagle breeding population along Kenai Fjords National Park’s coastline since 2009. This project part of an effort to develop long-term monitoring protocols with the Inventory and Monitoring program. Welcome
June 14, 2012
Welcome, readers! This blog will be an interesting, informal, yet informative environment for you to see Kenai Fjords National Park through the eyes of the diverse staff of park scientists and researchers. See what stories you can look forward to reading this summer... |
Last updated: April 14, 2015