National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service: U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
 
 
Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Kenai Fjords National ParkKenai Fjords Coastal Backcountry
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Kenai Fjords National Park
Nature & Science

nature & science includes:

Animals
Plants
Natural Features & Ecosystems
 
Flowers on the Kenai Fjords Coast across from Northwestern Glacier
This seemingly harsh terrain is home to a diverse array of plants and animals
Kenai Fjords National Park sits at the edge of the North Pacific Ocean, where storm patterns develop and feed a land of ice. The Harding Icefield crowns the park and is the source of at least 38 glaciers that flow over the land sculpting as they go. These gigantic rivers of ice have shaped the terrain and are now receding to reveal their work. As ice melts, rock is uncovered and the process of succession begins to take place. Scientists in the park investigate such diverse topics as newly colonized nunataks, black bear genetics, and the reproductive success of shorebirds.
River Otter  

Did You Know?
River otters defecate in certain spots to mark their territory. Researchers in Kenai Fjords National Park have discovered that these "latrine sites" enrich the soil, allowing plants to grow in those spots that aren't found anywhere else close by.

Disclaimer Accessibility Privacy Policy FOIA Notices USA.gov

Last Updated: February 09, 2009 at 18:23 EST