Most visitors to Alaska are attracted to the state's incredible natural features and vast spans of wilderness. Large areas of the state exist with very limited presence of human activity since most of the state's population is concentrated in Anchorage, Fairbanks and Juneau. One can still visit areas and not meet another single human being.

Due to the vastness of the state, it is possible to visit different ecosystems during one's stay. They range from the true Arctic above the Brooks Range to its coastal rainforest. These regions contain a range of intact systems offering unique landscapes, flora and fauna and climates. With large intact, healthy ecosystems and uninterrupted migration routes, wildlife thrives.

Alaska's history and Native culture are woven into the fabric of the state. Alaska's Natives have thrived for thousands of years and visitors are fortunate to have the opportunity to learn from their culture and experiences. The relatively recent arrival of first the Russians and then thousands from around the world to the gold fields form the basis of its colorful history. From its gold rushes to World War II, from statehood to construction of the pipeline, Alaska's past is unique.

The companies listed below provide a wide range of natural history and interpretive experiences. The publications listed below are designed to provide background to assist the those interested in Alaska's past and it's natural history.

Recommended Publications...

1. Alaska's History - The People, Land and Events of the North Country.
   Harry Ritter. A quick reference to the people and exciting events that shaped Alaskan history. Historical photographs and engaging essays on topics from traditional Native lifestyles to modern-day bush pilots.
   
   
2. Alaska: A History of the 49th State.
   Claus M. Naske & Herman Slotnick. Generously illustrated, this book includes photos, maps and tables as well as useful appendices and an essay on sources of Alaska history.
   
   
3. An Alaska Anthology, Interpreting the Past.
   Stephen Haycox / Mary Childers Mangusso. Twenty-five contemporary scholars explore the region's pivotal events, significant themes and major players – Natives, Russians, Canadian and American.
   
   
4. Native Peoples of Alaska: A Travelers' Guide to Land, Art and Culture.
   Jan Halliday. Has a good general information on traveling in Alaska, as well as detailed descriptions of Native people's history, current situation and tour possibilities in four major regions of the state.
   
   
5. Native Cultures in Alaska.
   Alaska Geographic. Examines the varied worlds of the Inupiat and Yupik Eskimo; Athabaskan, Tlingit, Haida and Tsimshian Indians as well as the Aleuts. A large fold-out map defines the language areas and native villages.
   
   
6. Native People of Alaska.
   Steve Langdon. An introductory guide to the Eskimos, Indians and Aleuts. Focus is on their lifestyles, traditions and culture. Black and white photos.
   
   
7. Make Prayers to the Raven.
   Richard K. Nelson. A blending of ethnography, personal reflections and natural history this book is a moving account of the Koyukon people, who follow a traditional lifeway of hunting, trapping and fishing.
   
   
8. Great Alaska Nature Fact Book – A Guide to the State's Remarkable Animals, Plants & Natural Features
   Susan Ewing. Whether you live in Alaska or are just passing through, youêll discover a gold mine of nature nuggets in this book's three sections.
   
   
9. Roadside Geology of Alaska
   Cathy Connor & Daniel O'Haire. Guide to landforms and geology. An excellent reference for those traveling by road, rail or ferry.
   
   
10. Alaska's Glaciers
    Alaska Geographic. An in-depth examination of Alaska's glaciers, their composition, exploration, current distribution and scientific significance.
    
    
11. Field Guide to Alaskan Wildflowers
    Verna Pratt. Color-coded field guide to most of Alaska wildflowers and many trees and shrubs. Quick reference with many color photos for easy identification.
    
    
12. Discovering Wild Plants – Alaska, Western Canada and the Northwest
    Janice Schofield. Excellent compendium of information about the trees, roots, wildflowers, herbs, seaweed and mushrooms of the North. Profiles more than 130 plants offering precise identification, history, harvest and habitat information and recipes. Over 190 photos.
    
    
13. Alaska Wildlife Viewing Guide
    Annabel M. Lund & Michelle Sydeman. This guide identifies the state's best wildlife viewing areas. Includes access and travel information, viewing tips and a special section highlighting ten of Alaska's most popular viewing species.
    
    
14. Wildlife Notebook Series
    Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game. Direct from the experts – loose leaf note book pages, one sheet for each animal. Descriptions and information on life history, habitat, food, habits, ecology, range, etc. 88 different mammals, birds and fish are included.
    
    
15. Alaska's Fish - A Guide to Selected Species
    Robert Armstrong. A take along pocket guide with full color photos of nineteen freshwater and anadromous fish and fifteen saltwater fish. Learn identifying features, size, spawning habits, habitat, range and much more. The guide also lists viewing areas, species found there and best months to find them.
    
    
16. Alaska's Seashore Creatures
    Carmen and Conrad Field. This pocket guide brings the world of marine invertbrates to life. Features over 50 spineless wonders in detailed black and white illustrations and the best places to go tidepooling in Alaska. Includes color photos and map.
    
    
17. Guide to the Birds of Alaska
    Robert H. Armstrong. New edition – completely updated and revised. This is the only comprehensive guide to Alaska's birds and includes all 443 species of birds found in the state. Full-color photos for all bird species that occur regularly; durable lie-flat binding for all-weather field use.
    
    

*Note that most of the above publications are available through the Alaska Natural History Association at 907-271-3290.

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