In the heart of Kachemak Bay
Kachemak Bay is a coastal estuary teeming with wildlife. With more than 320 miles of shoreline, this coastal inlet contains every marine ecosystem in the Gulf of Alaska.
The remarkable diversity of intact ecosystems, all within a relatively small area, positions this inlet as a beacon of inspiration for coastal education and research.
A 30-foot tidal range provides critical habitat for intertidal species, and more than 244 species of shorebirds have been identified in this region.
Diverse forests, wetlands, and meadows surround the inlet, providing wildlife habitat to a wide array of species that call this place home.
Kachemak Bay is a place of convergence, important to many Indigenous cultures and communities throughout time. Kachemak Bay is the traditional homeland of people belonging to two Alaska Native cultures – the Sugpiaq and the Dena’ina. They have lived on and stewarded the land and waters of the Kachemak Bay area for millenia. We thank and acknowledge Seldovia Village Tribe, Seldovia Native Association, Niqnalchint Qayeh Kenu (Ninilchik Village Tribe) and the Chugach communities of Paluwik (Port Graham) and Nanwalek whose heritage and culture continue to enrich our communities.
We are grateful to learn from, live on, and help to steward this special place that is their home. We recognize the ongoing harms of colonialism, and are working towards justice and to be in good relationship with the original peoples and this special place. We are grateful for all this place offers and all we can learn from it.
Our locations
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Inspiration Ridge Preserve
Traverse rolling trails and summer wildflower meadows with stunning views of Kachemak Bay and the Kenai Mountains, and witness the wonder of the sandhill crane migration. Ten miles of trails provide access to a mosaic of forests, bogs, meadows, ponds, and creeks.
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Peterson Bay Field Station
Immerse yourself in the wonders of intertidal life. Situated on the southern shore of Kachemak Bay and accessible by boat from Homer, the Field Station provides access to remote wilderness teeming with wildlife.
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Wynn Nature Center
Explore the beauty of the boreal forest. Search for upland and forest birds along more than five miles of trail, including viewing platforms, an interpretive center, and ADA-accessible boardwalks. Visitors of all abilities are provided opportunities to explore Wynn Nature Center while discovering local flora and fauna.
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Yurt on the Spit
Launch your intertidal discoveries on the Homer Harbor Docks. Meet at the Yurt on the Spit for intertidal tours and departures to the Peterson Bay Field Station.
Guided tours provide visitors a chance to encounter octopus, sea stars, harbor seals, sea otters, and a myriad of land and seabirds.
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Headquarters
Learn about our guided nature tours and educational experiences for all ages. Discover ways to get involved with community events and volunteer opportunities. Explore displays on flora and fauna native to Kachemak Bay, and browse our gift shop.
Visitors are welcome Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
Stewardship and Land Use
The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies’ locations are all designated for conservation, education, and limited use purposes. Any hunting or motorized recreation (including ATVs and ORVs) is strictly prohibited. Harvesting activities are permitted only with previous written consent from the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies.
Wildlife populations, native plant species, ethnographic resources, and scientific research, education, and interpretation about Kachemak Bay’s natural ecosystems and processes are among our prioritized resources and values. The land-use restrictions in place thus support their protection and maintenance.
