Discovering Wynn Nature Center
Smell the freshness of the spruce forest, gaze at wildflowers and watch for the appearance of moose, bear, lynx, and songbirds on this 140-acre wildlife preserve. This former homestead was donated to the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies in 1990 by the Carl E. Wynn Foundation. We care for and steward the land in accord with the late Carl Wynn's wishes.
Moose are a common sight in the forests and peatlands.
The Carl E. Wynn Nature Center is located along the bluffs overlooking Homer, and is well-known for the abundant wildflowers that bloom continuously throughout the summer. Signs of wildlife can be seen on the trails throughout the year. The Wynn Nature Center is one of the "birding hot spots" in the Homer area for forest and upland birds, and hosts an array of migratory species in the summer season.
The diverse upland habitats encompassed by the Nature Center support several different plant communities typical of the transitional forest zone at the southern edge of the northern boreal forest. This “edge” between ecosystems makes exploring the Wynn a dynamic experience, giving visitors a chance to see an incredible variety of flora and fauna. A hike at the Wynn provides an interesting comparison with a hike through the coastal forests on the Peterson Bay Field Station trail system. While both these locations are around Kachemak Bay, they have distinct ecosystem differences.
The Visitor Center is tucked up against acres of forested landscape.
While Alaska’s challenging backcountry hiking is a draw for many adventurers, the Wynn’s 5 miles of trails can offer a slower, more accessible way for people to enjoy Alaska’s outdoors. Between public naturalist programs, special events and workshops, and the tranquility of the trail system, the Wynn has many ways for people to explore different landscapes of the Kenai Peninsula.
“I hope it provides a refreshing, rejuvenating experience of being outdoors,” says Maya Nabipoor, the Wynn Visitor Center Coordinator. “For me, it feels like I’m free to just spend time here and not have the pressure of a strenuous hike. You don’t have to seek out the hardest hikes or the most remote places to have beautiful experiences in nature.”
Guests overlook a wildflower meadow and the distant Kenai Mountains at the Elliot Fischer Viewing Platform. Moose can sometimes be seen enjoying the meadow.
The trail system makes up a small portion of the 140 acres of land that comprises the Wynn Nature Center. The rest of the property is managed as a wildlife refuge and provides an important undeveloped migration corridor for moose and black bears. The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies conducts wildlife monitoring and data collection across the property.
Facilities include a paved parking lot, the Carl E. Wynn Visitor Center, the Daisy Lee Bitter Outdoor Learning Space, a covered pavilion, 800 feet of handicapped-accessible boardwalk including a trail for the visually impaired, a trail system with over 5 miles of trails, two viewing platforms, benches for resting along many of the trails, a staff yurt, and a large deck off of the Daisy Lee cabin.