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The Arctic is alive. Every year, birds we see in our own backyards, in all 50 states and across six continents, begin their lives on the Coastal Plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Each year these birds migrate to visit us before returning home to the Arctic to begin the cycle of life anew. The Arctic Refuge is also home to numerous mammals including caribou, polar bears, grizzly bears, musk oxen, Dall sheep, wolves and wolverines.

The history of the Arctic Refuge is about its unique wildlife, wilderness and recreational values, not its development potential. Long before the Arctic Refuge was set aside as a protected place, these values were recognized by wilderness visionaries and the people of the Gwich’in Nation who know it as the “Sacred Place Where Life Begins.”

We hope that you will join us throughout the year as we build to a nationwide celebration on December 6, 2010, the 50th Anniversary of the Arctic Refuge. Here’s how you can help:

Arctic Kite Logo

Build and fly an Arctic kite

Concerned citizens across the country will be flying kites symbolizing the birds that come through their areas on their way home to the Refuge. Download your materials at www.alaskawild.org/kites and fly them with the rest of their flock: Invite your friends and family to a mini-migration of your own!

Host an Arctic Garden Party

Growing an Arctic Garden will help you attract Arctic migratory birds to your backyard. Visit www.alaskawild.org/garden to learn how to involve your friends and family and we’ll send you seed packets and party materials to get started.

Join our Alaska Wild Educators Network

Teachers are welcome to join our Alaska Wild Educators Network at www.alaskawild.org/educate. We’ll keep you updated with ideas and materials so that you can incorporate exciting lessons and activities about our nation’s largest and wildest state into your curriculum. Your students will love learning about all the fun wildlife, including polar bears, caribou and Arctic birds!