• **When**: May 17, 2026 | 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
• **Where**: Westchester Lagoon, Anchorage
• **Price**: $15 adults, $10 children (under 12), Free for children under 5
• **Difficulty**: Easy - paved paths, wheelchair accessible

Explore one of Anchorage's most accessible urban wildlife havens with naturalist and Anchorage Parks Foundation educator Lisa Chang on this gentle evening walk perfect for families and wildlife enthusiasts of all ages. Located just 15 minutes from downtown, Westchester Lagoon serves as an unexpected wild oasis where city residents can experience authentic Alaska wildlife viewing without venturing into remote wilderness areas.

The 90-minute guided tour follows the lagoon's paved perimeter trail, designed for universal accessibility while providing optimal wildlife observation opportunities. Spring brings exceptional diversity to this 27-acre urban wetland, as both resident and migratory species take advantage of increasingly open water and emerging vegetation that supports abundant food sources for waterfowl, songbirds, and small mammals.

Participants observe Canada geese establishing nesting territories along the lagoon's edges, their distinctive honking calls echoing across the water as pairs defend prime locations for raising their goslings. Mallard ducks create constant surface activity, diving for aquatic vegetation and small fish while their colorful breeding plumage provides excellent photography opportunities for participants carrying cameras or smartphones.

The guided walk emphasizes species identification skills, with Lisa providing easy-to-remember visual and behavioral cues for distinguishing between common waterfowl species. Participants learn to identify northern pintails, American wigeon, and buffleheads, understanding how each species' feeding strategies and habitat preferences create the diverse ecosystem that thrives within Anchorage city limits.

Spring migration brings unexpected visitors to Westchester Lagoon, including occasional trumpeter swans, mergansers, and various grebe species that create excitement for both novice and experienced birders. Lisa explains migration timing, weather influences on bird movement, and the critical role urban wetlands play in supporting wildlife corridor functions across Alaska's vast landscape.

The evening timing takes advantage of Alaska's extended twilight hours, providing excellent lighting conditions for wildlife observation while accommodating work and school schedules. Spring's mild temperatures and increased daylight create comfortable viewing conditions, and the paved trail system ensures safe navigation for participants of all mobility levels.

Urban ecology education helps participants understand how Westchester Lagoon functions as both wildlife habitat and community recreation space. Lisa explains the lagoon's history, water management systems, and ongoing conservation efforts that maintain its value for both wildlife and human visitors. The discussion includes broader urban wildlife concepts relevant to Anchorage residents' daily interactions with nature.

Participants discover plant communities around the lagoon's perimeter, learning to identify native willows, cottonwoods, and understory plants that provide food and shelter for resident wildlife. Spring timing allows observation of emerging leaves, early wildflowers, and the intricate ecosystem relationships that support year-round wildlife populations in urban environments.

The walk accommodates varying interest levels, from families introducing children to nature observation to serious birders seeking local hotspot information. Lisa provides binocular use tips for participants without their own equipment, sharing basic optics knowledge that enhances wildlife viewing effectiveness for future independent visits.

Photography instruction helps smartphone users capture quality wildlife images, covering composition basics, lighting considerations, and respectful animal photography practices that don't disturb natural behaviors. Participants learn to use available light effectively while maintaining appropriate viewing distances that ensure both animal welfare and personal safety.

Local wildlife viewing recommendations extend participants' experience beyond the guided walk, with Lisa providing information about other Anchorage-area wildlife viewing locations, optimal timing for different species, and seasonal activity patterns that help residents plan independent nature excursions throughout spring and summer.

The tour concludes with a brief discussion of urban wildlife conservation, including simple actions residents can take to support wildlife habitat, feeding guidelines that protect both animals and humans, and reporting procedures for wildlife encounters that require professional attention. Participants receive printed resources including bird identification guides specific to Anchorage area wetlands.

No prior nature experience is necessary, and the event welcomes participants from complete beginners to experienced naturalists seeking local expertise. Dress in layers for variable spring weather, bring binoculars if available, and wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for paved surfaces.