Very Beary Berry Wetlands

JUNEAU  |  70.5 ACRES  |  CONSERVED IN 2019

At the end of 2018, the Southeast Alaska Land Trust was approached by Kristi Allen and David Waters about a parcel of land “out-the-road” in Juneau, which had just come up for sale. The parcel was 70+ acres of prime wetlands, and coincidentally situated directly adjacent to another parcel of land already under conservation, the Herbert River WetlandsThen, in 2019, with a generous donation from Kristi Allen (made in memory of her father, David R. Allen), and combined with a previous donation from Marge and Ed Huizer, the Southeast Alaska Land Trust was able to purchase the property and place it under permanent conservation for the benefit of the public. Together, these projects created a 217.5-acre block of protected wetlands within the City and Borough of Juneau.

The Very Beary Berry Wetlands (so named for the abundance of black bears and wild berries on the property) are located within the Strawberry Creek Watershed, in Juneau. Strawberry Creek is a tributary of the Herbert River, and has been proven to be the perfect place for rearing fish. Three species of salmon are found here, including Coho, Sockeye, and Pink’s. Lucky anglers might also catch Dolly Varden and Cutthroat Trout in this area. The Very Beary Berry Wetlands are also frequented by black bears, beavers, and countless species of birds. Scenic views of the property are well known by travelers driving along Glacier Highway. In addition, the property sits near both the Boy Scout Beach and Eagle Beach State Recreation Areas, two of Juneau’s most popular recreational areas.

These wetlands not only provide invaluable habitat for wildlife, they also provide unbeatable scenery and fun recreational opportunities, including birding, hiking, and berry picking. The Very Beary Berry Wetlands are free and open for the enjoyment of the public.

 

“My dad loved Alaska, and he would visit whenever he could. He helped me write letters about the 147-acre Herbert River Wetlands property which was finally protected by the Southeast Alaska Land Trust in 2003. When this 70-acre contiguous property came up for sale, I worked with the Southeast Alaska Land Trust and used my inheritance, knowing my dad would be happy. My friends, Marge and Ed Huizer, also helped and would be pleased with its protection and name: Very Beary Berry Wetlands.”

~Kristi Allen, June 28, 2019

 

Kristi & David R. Allen, circa 1980’s

Click map to enlarge.