Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge

Welcome to the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge located in the tundras of southwest Alaska on the banks of the Kuskokwim and Yukon Rivers. This Refuge does not boasts many high mountains and over two thirds of it's lands are at an elevation of lower than 100 feet ASL. However the mountains located on the edge of the refuge range in elevation from 2,000 to 4,000 feet ASL. Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge also boasts two large islands, Nelson Island and Nunivak Island. Only about 5% of the refuge is forested but the trees that do grow here include poplars and spruces. Even though most of this refuge is pristine wilderness the surrounding region is one of the most populated rural areas in the State of Alaska. Over 35,000 Eskimos live in this region in 35 different villages. Many of them are still dependent on the land's resources. Wildlife: Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge, a northern boreal zone at nearly 20 million acres in size boasts one of the largest groups of water birds on Planet Earth. Each spring, ducks and geese flock to the refuge by the millions on their way back from down south. Some of the other wild critters who make their home here include caribou, black bears, brown bears, wolves, moose, and whales. Refuge History: The Yukon and Kuskokwim rivers created one of the largest river deltas in the world, a marshland oasis of lakes and pones that is the dominant landscape of the Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge. This land was once part of the Bering Land bridge where the Native Americans first crossed into North America from Asia. Thus this land has been home to indigenous peoples for over 12,000 years and is still home to tens of thousands today. The first refuges were established in 1909 by President Theodore Roosevelt in order to protect the habitat for native birds and other resident wildlife. Nunivak Island was set aside as refuge in 1929 and in 1930 all the surrounding islands and waters were added to the refuge. Additional lands were added over many decades but the name Yukon Delta National Wildlife Refuge did not come until December 2, 1980. For the lover of the outdoors this refuge can only be accessed by aircraft but boasts beautiful scenery, excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, and so much more. Come on out and have a blast!