Rafting the Marsh Fork of the Canning River: A program by Eastside Audubon Society

The Eastside Audubon’s November Program Night features the photographs and experiences of local wildlife photographer, Dan Streiffert, on a 12-day wilderness birding adventure along the western boundary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).

Called “America’s Serengeti” for its tremendous biological productivity and diversity, the coastal plain is one of the most intact and untouched ecosystems in America. The refuge is home to 42 mammal species, including more than 120,000 head of caribou; 36 species of fish, and over 160 species of birds.

Many of these birds migrate to and from all fifty states and from six continents to feed and reproduce, taking full advantage of the burst of biological growth which blossoms here in the long days of the Arctic summer

“With the recent federal push to allow for drilling in the ANWR, this is a particularly poignant and timely presentation,” said Executive Director, Tereza Marks in a press release. “This might be our only and last way to experience this region before drilling begins.”

Beginning on the scenic Marsh Fork, the trip descends through the rugged mountains of the Brooks Range, northeast to the confluence with the main stem of the Canning River. Dan Streiffert lets you experience this trip vicariously through his camera with photos of the journey.

The presentation will take place at 7 p.m., Nov. 16, at Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church, 308 S Fourth Ave, Kirkland.

Dan Streiffert is a retired Power Systems Engineer that now spends his time photographing wildlife and volunteering with both the Sierra Club and Audubon. He grew up in Rochester, N.Y. and his dad worked for Eastman Kodak. (https://danstreiffert.smugmug.com)