Potter Marsh is part of a larger protected
swath of land called the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge. An embankment used
in building the Alaska Railroad trapped fresh water on the east side of the road
when it was created in 1917.
When driving along the Seward Highway
there are a number of marsh areas that have a large amount of wild animal life.
The boardwalk in the Potter Marsh gives an even better view of the animals and
plants that are native to the area.
The previously upland area transformed
into a marsh, attracting avian species and becoming prime habitat for such
grasses as sedges, cattails and other aquatic vegetation. In 1971, it was
designated Potter Point State Game Refuge, but in 1988 it became part of the
Anchorage Refuge. The 51-square-mile refuge is about 32,500 acres. Potter Marsh
comprises 564 acres.
The Potter marsh hosts the greatest number
of birds between late April and the end of May. Bald eagles, northern harriers,
yellowlegs, Arctic terns, pintails, Canada geese, red-necked grebes, and Pacific
loons stay through the summer. Muskrats and moose visit the Potter Marsh all
year long. Contact: Alaska Department of Fish and Game
(907) 267-2556; Anchorage bird hotline (907) 338-2473
