Dr. David Bowie is our local conference host for this year in the great state of Alaska.

The name Alaska means “the great land” derived from the Aleut word Alyeska. Alaska is home to many Indigenous peoples with incredibly rich cultures including but not limited to Iñupiat, Yupik, Aleut, Eyak, Tlingit, Haida, Tsimshian, and Northern Athabaskan. 

Alaska is a gorgeous state with over 365.5 million acres of land there is always more to explore. Alaska is home to thousands of miles of lakes, rivers, streams, and coastline, you’re never too far from a beautiful view. Most of the land in Alaska is undeveloped and not accessible by traditional transportation methods. If you ever find yourself in the lesser developed areas of Alaska during the winter you are likely to experience the aurora borealis and some excellent stargazing.

 

Often called the land of the midnight sun the summers in Alaska are overflowing with sunlight. On the solstice, most of Alaska experiences 24 hours of daylight and civil twilight where the sun never seems to fully set. If you find yourself closer to the north of Alaska during this time of year there is full daylight for 24 hours. Conversely, those same areas have no hours of sunlight during the winter solstice while most of Alaska experiences between 7 and 4 hours of sunlight. Alaska is a constantly changing and ever extreme state full of absolutely amazing natural wonders that anyone could enjoy.