SUMMER REFLECTIONS

WASILLA — It’s long been a popular recreation spot in the Mat-Su Valley, but if you haven’t been to Reflections Lake lately, you might not recognize it.

Saturday is a good day to stop by between 10 a.m. and noon and learn more about the area from naturalist guides Lindsey Shelley and Ralph Baldwin during Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats annual spring walkabout.

People are encouraged to dress for the weather and bring the whole family, their favorite guidebooks, binoculars, camera, water, sturdy shoes and come explore.

Located off Mile 31.5 on the Glenn Highway, off the Knik River Access exit, the quiet pool of water is home to assorted waterfowl and other Alaska wildlife, including a beaver family.

For years the spot was known by other names, such as Man Made Lake and “Rambo Rest Stop,” said Kris Abshire, president of the board of directors for Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats.

“The little gravel pit has grown up to be a beautiful little woodland lake,” she said. “A gem within a gem.”

The lake and the wildlife refuge that surrounds it are a good place to observe migrating waterfowl, hear songbirds, spot emerging wild plants and maybe catch a glimpse of the lake’s resident beaver.

Abshire said the beaver moved in last summer.

“He moved in last summer and decided to spruce up the place,” she said of the collection of felled trees the beaver family has amassed.

Already the 1-mile walk around the lake includes an overlook area with seating, bathrooms and a couple of other benches to pause and soak n the scene, Abshire said.

Interpretive panels will be placed around the lake this summer that tell visitors about the area’s geological history, bird migration and over all general refuge information, she said.

Plans also call for a 20-foot wildlife-viewing tower that will look out across the refuge toward Mount Susitna. The group had requested $15,000 this year for the project from the borough, but Borough Mayor Larry DeVilbiss vetoed that request this week.

“We have great things in mind for the refuge and for the community,” Abshire said.

She said the nonprofit incorporated in 2005 and volunteers with the group do things like organize cleanup days and fun, educational days on the refuge and apply for grants to add more benches, interpretive signage and that eventual wildlife-viewing tower.

Valley residents who live near the area began working together to repair and restore the habitat, Abshire said.

“The citizens finally stepped up and said it’s time we do something about this,” she said.

The Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge is one of 32 refuges in Alaska, 25 of which are in Southcentral.

Mark the family calendar for July 23, that’s the date for the Alaskans for Palmer Hay Flats’ annual Summer Family Fun Day. Volunteers also have planned a Run for the Refuge on July 16 and a Winter Family Fun Day takes place each January.

“We always need folks to volunteer,” Abshire said.

For more information, contact info@palmerhayflats.org or palmerhayflats.org/calendar.html.

Contact Heather A. Resz at heather.resz@frontiersman.com or 352-2268.