Stikine River Migratory Bird and Garnet Festival

The festival celebrates the arrival of the largest springtime concentration of Bald Eagles in North America on the Stikine River Delta, the arrival of spring in Alaska as well as the history of Garnet Ledge. The variety and large springtime concentration of wildlife on the Stikine’s (Stik-Heen) delta sets the Garnet Festival apart from all other festivals in Alaska. Up to 2000 American Bald Eagles feed on the hooligan swimming up the middle and north arms of the Stikine River. The delta is a major stopover on the Pacific Fly Way for approximately 200,000 shorebirds and up to 15,000 Snow Geese and over 10,000 Sand Hill Cranes. Approximately123 different species of birds are represented annually on the delta beginning mid-April through the beginning of May. The spring run of “Hooligan” or Eulechon (a small smelt like fish) also attracts a large number of Steller Sea Lions and Harbor Seals. Lesnoi Island, located near the mouth of the river is a popular Sea Lion “haul out” during the spring Hooligan run. Occasionally, Orcas can be seen near the delta waiting to feast on stray Sea Lions or Seals.

Garnet Ledge had several owners the most notable was the Alaska Garnet Mining and Manufacturing Company. It was composed entirely of women, with Anna E. Rose, president, Anna E. Durkee, secretary & general manager, & a board of eleven directors. The purpose of the company was to mine the garnets from the ledge near the mouth of the Stikine River then cut & polish them at a manufacturing plant in Minneapolis. An excerpt from an old company brochure states, “A ruby is scarcely more beautiful than this wonderfully rich, brilliant, fiery gem from the north. It is harder and takes a finer and more lasting polish than the Bohemian garnet. Its hardness is 7.5, only 2.5 points softer than the Kimberly diamond…”Mr. Fred G. Hanford bought the ledge and in 1962 deeded Garnet Ledge to the Southeast Alaska Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America "for only so long as the said grantee… shall use the land for Scouting purposes and shall permit the children of Wrangell to take garnets there from in reasonable quantities."

Most Wrangell children will mine their garnets in early spring and sell them to visitors during the summer months. This mining expedition usually requires an overnight excursion to Garnet Ledge. Many families make camping and mining at Garnet Ledge an annual event. The ledge is located on the Stikine River Delta.

Schedules available at the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce Office located at 224 Front Street, across from the Diamond C Restaurant, Phone: 907-874-3901, Email: wchamber@gci.net

Schedule :

April 18th, 2008

“Give us your best shot” photo contest “Bird and/ or spring in and around the Wrangell Area”
Photo Contest
Judged show and peoples choice award
Display will be up until May 1, 2008
Two categories: Birds, Spring
All Photos must be turned in at the Nolan Center by 5:00 pm on April 18th
Sponsored by: Nolan Civic Center- Marcy Garrison
Contact: 874-3699
Free

Alaska Waters
10% off Stikine River Delta Tours
Seasonal Web specials and prescheduled

“Spring Fling”
Watch the river wake up from the winter!
Three hour jet boat tour of the Stikine Delta
Wildlife and bird watching, including a high end picnic lunch, and two shore walks, fully guide with certified naturalist.
$95.00 per person (advanced reservations)
Contact: Brenda Yeager at Alaska Charters and Adventures, 907-874-4157
Toll Free: 1-888-993-2750
Email: info@alaskaupclose.com

“Spring Kings”
Sport fishing for a wild king salmon on the new “Timberwolf” full day trip $250.00 (advance reservation required, licenses and tags not included, min of two)
Contact: Brenda Yeager at Alaska Charters and Adventures, 907-874-4157,
Toll Free: 1-888-993-2750
Email: info@alaskaupclose.com

Studio of Marine artist Brenda Schwartz-
Yeager will offer 25% off on all unframed work.

April 23, 2008

Stikine Stitchers:
Wrangell Quilters Guild
Quilts on display and for sale
Wrangell Chamber of Commerce Office
11:00-5:00 each day of the week of the festival
Free

Critters Crafts:
Family Activity for kids
Construct your very own bird feeder!
All you need to do is bring your own hammer!
3:00-4:00 City Hall lawn
Free
Sponsored by the US Forest Service and Angerman’s Inc

Garnet Festival Kick off trip “Supper at LeConte Glacier” (Pizza and a Glacier)
$80.00 per person,
Departure 2 PM
Call 874-2488 or email eric@BreakawayAdventures.com for reservations

Alaska Waters
10% off Stikine River Delta Tours
Seasonal Web specials and prescheduled

“Spring Fling”
Watch the river wake up from the winter!
Three hour jet boat tour of the Stikine Delta
Wildlife and bird watching, including a high end picnic lunch, and two shore walks, fully guide with certified naturalist.
$95.00 per person (advanced reservations)
Contact: Brenda Yeager at Alaska Charters and Adventures, 907-874-4157
Toll Free: 1-888-993-2750
Email: info@alaskaupclose.com

“Spring Kings”
Sport fishing for a wild king salmon on the new “Timberwolf” full day trip $250.00 (advance reservation required, licenses and tags not included, min of two)
Contact: Brenda Yeager at Alaska Charters and Adventures, 907-874-4157,
Toll Free: 1-888-993-2750
Email: info@alaskaupclose.com

Studio of Marine artist Brenda Schwartz-
Yeager will offer 25% off on all unframed work.

April 24th, 2008

Irene Ingle Public Library – 10:00
“I am ready for summer… in Wrangell”
Story time for ages: pre- School children and parents, if you love stories then you are welcomed!
Free
Librarian: Kay Jaybusch – 874-3535
Story Lady: Jean Brown

Island of Faith Lutheran Church:
Arts and crafts- Nolan center
12:00-6:00
Arts & Crafts Mall: selling of goods (some artist will do demonstrations)
Silent Auction and Lunch
Information; Island of Faith Lutheran Church – 907-874-2743
Nolan center

Wrangell Middle School – 6th grade
Science Fair
6:00 pm -7:30 pm
Wrangell Middle School
Free
Information: Winston Davies: 874-3393

Key note Speaker: Dr. Richard Lanctot, PhD.
Shore bird Coordinator, Alaska Region
US Fish and Wildlife Service- Migratory Bird Management
Topic: “Migratory Flyways and river deltas: the interstate highways and gas stations for shorebirds.” Dr. Lanctot will explore the importance of the Stikine river delta for migratory shorebirds along the pacific flyway. Reviewing the many other flyways used by shorebirds that use different parts of the world during the winter.
7:30pm
SNO Building
Free

“Run to the Border”
5 hour trip daily (Stikine River to the US / Canadian Border)
$107.00 per person
Call 874-2488 or email eric@BreakawayAdventures.com for reservations

“Turn and Burn”
2 hour trip daily (Sergief Island Sea lions and Lower Stikine River) Hamilton spins and more $40.00 per person.
Call 874-2488 or email eric@BreakawayAdventures.com for reservations

Alaska Waters
10% off Stikine River Delta Tours
Seasonal Web specials and prescheduled

“Spring Fling”
Watch the river wake up from the winter!
Three hour jet boat tour of the Stikine Delta
Wildlife and bird watching, including a high end picnic lunch, and two shore walks, fully guide with certified naturalist.
$95.00 per person (advanced reservations)
Contact: Brenda Yeager at Alaska Charters and Adventures, 907-874-4157
Toll Free: 1-888-993-2750
Email: info@alaskaupclose.com

“Spring Kings”
Sport fishing for a wild king salmon on the new “Timberwolf” full day trip $250.00 (advance reservation required, licenses and tags not included, min of two)
Contact: Brenda Yeager at Alaska Charters and Adventures, 907-874-4157,
Toll Free: 1-888-993-2750
Email: info@alaskaupclose.com

Studio of Marine artist Brenda Schwartz-
Yeager will offer 25% off on all unframed work.

April 25th, 2008

Painting Contest- Birds, birds and more birds!
Every level of artist welcomed, every medium encouraged!
As long as you are using a brush… you will be provided with a table,
Anything else you need, bring with you. Judges and peoples choice!
Set up: 10:00am
Work will be displayed until April 28th
Hosted by: Wrangell Nolan Center
Free
Marcy Garrison – 874-3699

Wrangell Senior Center; Wrangell Senior Lunch
12:30
Ketchikan Indian Community Deer Mountain tribal Hatchery and Eagle Center
Damon Hampel brings a Peregrine Falcon
If you will be joining the seniors for lunch cost is:
For 60 years and older free will donation,
Under 60 years $8.00 per person
Please call by 10:00 am (Friday) to reserve your lunch
George Joseph – 874-2066

Key note Speaker: Dr. Richard Lanctot, PhD.
Shore bird Coordinator, Alaska Region
US Fish and Wildlife Service- Migratory Bird Management
Subject: Dr. Lanctot will discuss efforts by the fish and wildlife services and other federal agencies to sample birds in North America for the virus, and relay field experience in China and Taiwan to learn more about the spread of the potentially highly pathogenic virus to people
7:30pm
SNO Building
Free

“Run to the Border”
5 hour trip daily (Stikine River to the US / Canadian Border)
$107.00 per person
Call 874-2488 or email eric@BreakawayAdventures.com for reservations

“Turn and Burn”
2 hour trip daily (Sergief Island Sea lions and Lower Stikine River) Hamilton spins and more $40.00 per person.
Call 874-2488 or email eric@BreakawayAdventures.com for reservations

Alaska Waters
10% off Stikine River Delta Tours
Seasonal Web specials and prescheduled

“Spring Fling”
Watch the river wake up from the winter!
Three hour jet boat tour of the Stikine Delta
Wildlife and bird watching, including a high end picnic lunch, and two shore walks, fully guide with certified naturalist.
$95.00 per person (advanced reservations)
Contact: Brenda Yeager at Alaska Charters and Adventures, 907-874-4157
Toll Free: 1-888-993-2750
Email: info@alaskaupclose.com

“Spring Kings”
Sport fishing for a wild king salmon on the new “Timberwolf” full day trip $250.00 (advance reservation required, licenses and tags not included, min of two)
Contact: Brenda Yeager at Alaska Charters and Adventures, 907-874-4157,
Toll Free: 1-888-993-2750
Email: info@alaskaupclose.com

Studio of Marine artist Brenda Schwartz-
Yeager will offer 25% off on all unframed work.

April 26th, 2008

Official boots for Wrangell residents,
Good for all occasions including:
Birding, Fishing, Hiking, Weddings
Funeral, Nights out dancing

“Breakfast with the birds”
7:00 am
Place: Muskeg meadows Golf Course
Free
Bonnie Demerjian will be leading a bird walk at the Muskeg Meadows Golf Course. You know you the saying, “the early bird gets the worm!” well they also see the best birds! Don’t worry about breakfast, there will be coffee, hot chocolate, and light breakfast provided.
Sponsored by: US Forest Service, Alaska Natural History Association, and Muskeg Meadows

“Birds of a Feather”
10:00 -11:00 am
SNO Building
Free
Join the Forest Service Naturalist Discovering the World of Migratory Birds!
This program is for 5- 7 year olds and their caregivers.
Sponsored by: US Forest Service

Wrangell Community Clean Up
Pick up bags at 8-9 am
Location will be announced later

Lions Club Lunch:
11:00-1:00
SNO Building
Come for the wings, stay for the birds
Chicken Wings and dessert

Pony Rides
1-3pm
Outer drive (Campbell Drive)

Live Bird Presentation
1:00pm
Live Bird – falcon
SNO building
Free
Last chance to see and learn more about peregrine Falcons! Damon Hampel, bird curator at the Ketchikan Indian Community Deer Mountain tribal Hatchery and eagle Center, Explores the world of falcons with pefa-0 live peregrine falcon.
Sponsored by: Wrangell convention center and Visitors bureau and US Forest Service

Ducks unlimited Dinner and Auction
Dinner and Auction
6:00pm
Wrangell Elks lodge- Open to the public
Individuals - $50.00 Membership & Dinner
Couples: $75.00 Membership & Dinner

“Run to the Border”
5 hour trip daily (Stikine River to the US / Canadian Border)
$107.00 per person
Call 874-2488 or email eric@BreakawayAdventures.com for reservations

“Turn and Burn”
2 hour trip daily (Sergief Island Sea lions and Lower Stikine River) Hamilton spins and more $40.00 per person.
Call 874-2488 or email eric@BreakawayAdventures.com for reservations

Alaska Waters
10% off Stikine River Delta Tours
Seasonal Web specials and prescheduled

“Spring Fling”
Watch the river wake up from the winter!
Three hour jet boat tour of the Stikine Delta
Wildlife and bird watching, including a high end picnic lunch, and two shore walks, fully guide with certified naturalist.
$95.00 per person (advanced reservations)
Contact: Brenda Yeager at Alaska Charters and Adventures, 907-874-4157
Toll Free: 1-888-993-2750
Email: info@alaskaupclose.com

“Spring Kings”
Sport fishing for a wild king salmon on the new “Timberwolf” full day trip $250.00 (advance reservation required, licenses and tags not included, min of two)
Contact: Brenda Yeager at Alaska Charters and Adventures, 907-874-4157,
Toll Free: 1-888-993-2750
Email: info@alaskaupclose.com

Studio of Marine artist Brenda Schwartz-
Yeager will offer 25% off on all unframed work.

7:30pm : Key note Speaker: Dr. Richard Lanctot, PhD.

SNO Building
Free

Shore bird Coordinator, Alaska Region
US Fish and Wildlife Service- Migratory Bird Management
Subject: Dr. Lanctot will discuss efforts by the fish and wildlife services and other federal agencies to sample birds in North America for the virus, and relay field experience in China and Taiwan to learn more about the spread of the potentially highly pathogenic virus to people

April 27, 2008

“Singspiration” (local church congregations joining together for song)
6:30 pm
Seventh Day Adventist Church
Contact: Pastor Dave Brown @ 874-4543
Free

“I never meet a garnet I didn’t like”
4:00pm
Contest; Biggest garnet from Wrangell and around the world Contest
Contact: Mark Robinson
SNO Building
Free

Guest Speaker:
Speaker will be discussing his experiences climbing the
Seven Highest Mountains in the World
6:00pm
SNO building
Free

“Turn and Burn”
2 hour trip daily (Sergief Island Sea lions and Lower Stikine River) Hamilton spins and more $40.00 per person.
Call 874-2488 or email eric@BreakawayAdventures.com for reservations

Birding Head Quarters:
Wrangell SNO Building – stop by for coffee, tea, or hot cocoa
Information and schedules: Wrangell Chamber of Commerce, Wrangell Visitors center in the Nolan Center

Alaska Waters
10% off Stikine River Delta Tours
Seasonal Web specials and prescheduled

“Spring Fling”
Watch the river wake up from the winter!
Three hour jet boat tour of the Stikine Delta
Wildlife and bird watching, including a high end picnic lunch, and two shore walks, fully guide with certified naturalist.
$95.00 per person (advanced reservations)
Contact: Brenda Yeager at Alaska Charters and Adventures, 907-874-4157
Toll Free: 1-888-993-2750
Email: info@alaskaupclose.com

“Spring Kings”
Sport fishing for a wild king salmon on the new “Timberwolf” full day trip $250.00 (advance reservation required, licenses and tags not included, min of two)
Contact: Brenda Yeager at Alaska Charters and Adventures, 907-874-4157,
Toll Free: 1-888-993-2750
Email: info@alaskaupclose.com

Studio of Marine artist Brenda Schwartz-
Yeager will offer 25% off on all unframed work.

April 28, 2008

Wrangell Chamber of Commerce Raffle
Drawing for two round trip tickets to Seattle donated by Alaska airlines tickets
Tickets $5.00 each
Need not be present to win
KSTK
Noon

May 1, 2008

Grand Finale for the 4th grade classes of Petersburg and Wrangell
Hosted by: the Stikine River Jet Boat Association
“Stikine River Delta trip”

Alaska Waters
10% off Stikine River Delta Tours
Seasonal Web specials and prescheduled

“Spring Fling”
Watch the river wake up from the winter!
Three hour jet boat tour of the Stikine Delta
Wildlife and bird watching, including a high end picnic lunch, and two shore walks, fully guide with certified naturalist.
$95.00 per person (advanced reservations)
Contact: Brenda Yeager at Alaska Charters and Adventures, 907-874-4157
Toll Free: 1-888-993-2750
Email: info@alaskaupclose.com

“Spring Kings”
Sport fishing for a wild king salmon on the new “Timberwolf” full day trip $250.00 (advance reservation required, licenses and tags not included, min of two)
Contact: Brenda Yeager at Alaska Charters and Adventures, 907-874-4157,
Toll Free: 1-888-993-2750
Email: info@alaskaupclose.com

Studio of Marine artist Brenda Schwartz-
Yeager will offer 25% off on all unframed work.

About Birding Binoculars
The most popular birding binocular sizes for bird watching are 8*40 8*42. Binoculars with these specs are compact enough to carry with you all day while large enough to gather plenty of light. Other features to look for in birding binoculars are a close focus for near observation of birds and insects, a wide full view, enabling you to track quick flying birds and to see more individuals at a time when counting or observing large flocks or groups, such as kettles of hawks, and good depth of field so you don’t need to keep adjusting the focus to keep a small bird in focus, and don’t need to turn the focus adjust too much to go from near to far.

Muskeg Meadows golf course – open
For more information or walking information:
874-4653- Terry Pino

Everyday of the festival- Excluding Sunday
“Alaska Migratory Bird Education and information”
1:00-5:00
James and Elsie Nolan Center – small theater
Free

Date : April 18 - April 28, 2008

Location : Wrangell Chamber of Commerce
224 Front Street
Wrangell, AK 99929