Potters Marsh Boardwalk near Anchorage, AK
N 61° 04.701 W 149° 49.676
6V E 347458 N 6774810
The Potter's Marsh is a coastal freshwater and brackish marsh located at the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge (ACWR) approximately seven miles south of downtown Anchorage and has a 1,550 ft boardwalk.
Waymark Code: WM9BQP
Location: Alaska, United States
Date Posted: 07/27/2010
Views: 10
Potter Marsh was created in 1916-1917 when The Alaska Railroad built an embankment across Turnagain Arm. A bridge over Rabbit Creek allowed water to flow beneath the embankment, but some water from Little Survival Creek did not drain, and where the water pooled, vegetation began to grow, creating the marsh. Attracted by the water and vegetation, migrating waterfowl, shorebirds and other wildlife soon arrived, causing the area to become very popular with hunters and trappers and for wildlife viewing. Potter Marsh soon became a popular local recreation destination.
The "Good Friday" earthquake of 1964 caused the Potter Marsh area to sink about a meter, which resulted in much of the forest sinking and drownomg, opening up the area for more marsh. Later, the 1970-71 construction of the Seward Highway in caused additional pooling of water, further increasing the marsh.
In 1971, Potter Marsh was added to the Potter Point State Game Refuge, which extended from Point Campbell to Potter Creek at that time development of a plan to create a natural wildlife viewing destination was initiated.
Today, there is a 1,550 foot boardwalk throughout much of the park, allowing visitors to wander and view the habitat and wildlife without damaging the marsh.
Length: 1,550 feet
Physically Challenged Accessible?: yes
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