In 2010 we begin celebrating a milestone in American conservation history—the establishment of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
A Symbolic Landscape
Tucked into a remote corner of Alaska, the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is a place where the American frontier can be experienced on an epic scale. It is best known for wilderness; undisturbed wildlife and ecological processes; and unique recreational and scientific opportunities, all preserved for future generations. While thousands of people have found adventure, solitude and reflection in visiting the Arctic Refuge, millions more find inspiration in knowing that this unique piece of America exists. As the founders had hoped, the Arctic Refuge has become a symbolic landscape.
Unique Values
The story of the Arctic Refuge begins more than a half-century ago with a group of people concerned with the loss of wild places; the spread of pollution and pesticides; and the destructive potential of the atomic bomb. In the 1950s these visionary conservationists, led by Olaus and Margaret Murie, launched a seven-year campaign to establish the nation’s first ecosystem-scale conservation area. On December 6, 1960 the Arctic Refuge was established for the purpose of “preserving unique wildlife, wilderness and recreational values.”
Celebrating a Conservation Milestone
Unprecedented in size and in the range of values it protects, the establishment of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge has expanded the notion of what a wildlife refuge can be. To celebrate the 50th anniversary, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with partners to increase understanding and appreciation of the Arctic Refuge and the importance of national wildlife refuges everywhere. A number of project and events are in the works for the 50th including:
America’s Wildest Refuge: Discovering the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge -- This hour-long, high-definition video documentary includes sweeping views of the Arctic Refuge, its wildlife, and interviews with those who know it best. America’s Wildest Refuge is an ecological and historical portrait of a majestic place and those who have worked to protect it. View the trailer for America’s Wildest Refuge:
Arctic Sanctuary: Images of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge -- This photo exhibit and the accompanying book include large-scale photos and interpretive text. Photographer Jeff Jones’ work conveys a sense of the scope, significance, and stunning beauty of the Arctic Refuge while Laurie Hoyle’s words combine to engage the view in a contemplative exploration of the Refuge. The book, published by the University of Alaska Press, features more than 150 of Jeff’s Arctic Refuge photographs as well as Laurie’s essays. See photos from Arctic Sanctuary.
Wild Legacy -- This original stage production is based on the collected writings of Olaus and Margaret Murie, who were instrumental in the establishment of the Arctic Refuge. Commissioned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wild Legacy is produced by the Memphis, Tennessee-based theatre company Voices of the South. The play honors those who made the establishment of the Arctic Refuge possible and celebrates the experiences we are still able to enjoy 50 years later because of this “wild legacy.” Learn more about Wild Legacy.
A Sense of the Refuge -- This four-panel exhibit describes the history, people, wildlife, climate challenges and special significance of the Arctic Refuge.
Upcoming Arctic Refuge 50th Anniversary Events
America’s Wildest Refuge is now showing on public television stations throughout the U.S. Check with your local public station for dates and times.
Through January 8, 2012
The Arctic Sanctuary photo exhibit is at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History.
2559 Puesta del Sol, Santa Barbara, California
Nov. 3, 2011
America’s Wildest Refuge will be shown at the Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
1 p.m. – Pleasant Plains Road, Harding Township, New Jersey
Nov. 5, 2011
America’s Wildest Refuge is an official selection at the American Conservation Film Festival.
2:45 p.m. Byrd Auditorium, National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Nov. 29, 2011
America’s Wildest Refuge will be shown at Washington College in Maryland. Colby Hawkinson of Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge will give a talk about the bird migration connection between the Eastern Neck and Arctic refuges.
6:30 p.m. – Litrenta Lecture Hall, Washington College, Chestertown, Maryland
March – June, 2012
The Denver Museum of Nature and Science hosts the Arctic Sanctuary photo exhibit.
1745 Stout Street, Denver, Colorado
For more information about these events, or to bring the Arctic Refuge 50th Anniversary celebration to your community, contact the coordinator at (907) 786-3469.
In 2010 we begin celebrating a milestone in American conservation history—the establishment of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
The story of the Arctic Refuge begins more than a half-century ago with a group of people concerned with the loss of wild places; the spread of pollution and pesticides; and the destructive potential of the atomic bomb. In the 1950s these visionary conservationists, led by Olaus and Margaret Murie, launched a seven-year campaign to establish the nation’s first ecosystem-scale conservation area. On December 6, 1960 the Arctic Refuge was established for the purpose of “preserving unique wildlife, wilderness and recreational values.”
