The story of the Alaska dairy farm that the community saved in 1966 and is now a bird refuge
“In 1966, an Alaska dairy farm went up for sale; the community helped prevent it from being sold on the open market, and it later became a 1,790-acre refuge visited by some 150 species of birds.”
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In 1966, the putting up for sale of a dairy farm in Fairbanks, Alaska, motivated neighbors and local organizations to mobilize to prevent its commercialization on the open market. With state and federal backing, the property was acquired and transformed over the years into an important wildlife refuge.
The dairy lands had begun attracting migratory birds since the early 20th century due to grain remnants and soil conditions, becoming a key spot for observing local fauna.
Following a fundraising campaign initiated in 1967 by the Alaska Conservation Society and subsequent legislative intervention, the state acquired the first hectares, formally creating the wildlife management area.
Today, the Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge spans some 1,790 acres and annually welcomes nearly 150 species of birds, establishing itself as a benchmark for community conservation.
- The dairy farm went up for sale in the year 1966.
- The community and environmental organizations organized campaigns to prevent its commercial sale.
- The historical buildings were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
- The current refuge spans 1,790 acres and hosts about 150 species of birds.
Corroborates: In 1966, an Alaska dairy farm went up for sale; the community helped prevent it from being sold on the open market, and it later became a 1,790-acre refuge visited by some 150 species of birds.