Eagle River Nature Center

Friends of Eagle River Nature Center, Inc. (Friends) was established in 1995 with the purpose of taking over operation of Chugach State Park’s Eagle River Visitor Center.  The organization, which started with a handful of supporters and a budget of $30,000, has grown to over 1500 members.  Under state operation, the Visitor Center was open to the public only three months of the year (1993-1995). Budget cuts had led to the elimination of interpretive positions and natural history education was discontinued.  Under Friends' management, the facility is now open year-round and provides extensive programming for the public, as well as private and public schools (K-12).  In 2005, Friends was awarded a 25-year contract from Alaska State Parks to continue operating the Eagle River Nature Center.  Operation includes management of the main visitor facility, 10 miles of trails, 4 public use overnight facilities, a classroom structure, a trail maintenance garage and volunteer cabins.  The Nature Center has had great success over the years in increasing natural history education, volunteer involvement, and recreational opportunities for the community and visitors to Alaska.

The Mission of the Friends of Eagle River Nature Center, Inc. is to further the educational and interpretive opportunities available to park visitors;  promote the preservation, protection and enhancement of the historical, natural and recreational resources within the Chugach State Park;  provide for the daily operation of the Nature Center;  and assist in implementing park improvements, enhance safety awareness and promote educational programs compatible with the mission of the Eagle River Nature Center.

The Vision of the Friends of Eagle River Nature Center is to provide connections to nature through excellence in education, resource protection and outdoor opportunities.