Chilkat Biodiversity Forum

Chilkat Center, 1 Theatre Dr, Haines, Alaska 99827

Day 1: Monday, May 4th

Gathering, introduction to landscape, a morning keynote presentation, and an afternoon of topical presentations, followed by an evening mixer with appetizers.

Day 2: Tuesday, May 5th

A morning keynote presentation followed by "Learning Journeys," field trips led by local guides and scientists, exploring the Chilkat watershed, marine ecosystem, plant biodiversity, and more in the Chilkat Valley. The day concludes with an evening keynote speaker open to the public.

Day 3: Wednesday, May 6th

Keynote speaker, sharing of knowledge through presentations, discussion about gaps in knowledge, breakout groups, and sharing local foods. The forum concludes at 2:30 pm and a shuttle will provide transportation to the ferry terminal.

The event will bring together experts, locals, and naturalists to share traditional and scientific knowledge about the biodiversity and ecological importance of the Chilkat watershed.

The Chilkat watershed is globally significant with unique biogeographical features, including low, north-south mountain passes between the coast and interior. This geography has facilitated migration, evolution, cross-pollination, and adaptation over many millennia of changing climates. Biodiversification in the Chilkat is the result of this geography, a transitional climate, and rare assemblages of habitats and species. This landscape will continue to provide essential adaptive opportunities for innumerable species as the climate continues to change.

It is the land of superlatives – including the greatest vascular plant diversity, tree diversity, and tree community diversity in all Alaska, the largest gathering of Bald Eagles in North America, 39 known species of mammals, including the cryptic Canada lynx, wolverine, brown and black bears, moose, and flying squirrels, as well as a wide array of marine life. 

The Chilkat Biodiversity Forum will bring researchers together in conversation about how we can fill the gaps in our knowledge and recognize the Chilkat watershed for its unique and significant biodiversity. 

Getting to Haines: Participants traveling by air will get to Haines by flying into Juneau International Airport. There is no road access from Juneau to Haines, but you can travel to Haines from Juneau through the state ferry (Alaska Marine Highway System) or Alaska Seaplanes, a small commuter flight company. Traveling via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry system is the most reliable and economical option, but will likely require an overnight stay in Juneau. If you overnight in Juneau, we recommend booking at a hotel that offers shuttle service to the ferry terminal.

We recommend traveling from Juneau to Haines via Alaska Marine Highway ferry on Sunday, May 3rd. We will have a shuttle available at the ferry terminal in Haines to transport participants arriving by ferry to their hotels on Sunday, May 3rd.

Lodging: There are currently rooms blocked at two establishments: Aspen Hotel and Captain’s Choice Motel. We recommend booking your room by Friday, April 3rd.

To book a room with our discounted rate at the Aspen Hotel in Haines, call (907) 766-2211and use code CHILKA to indicate your participation in the Chilkat Biodiversity Forum. The discounted rate for rooms at the Aspen Hotel is $159 + tax.

To book a room with our discounted rate at the Captain’s Choice Motel in Haines, call 907-766-3111 and indicate your participation in the Chilkat Biodiversity Forum. The discounted rate for rooms at the Captain’s Choice Motel is $149 + tax.

Transportation in Haines: Shuttle service will be provided from the Aspen Hotel and Captain’s Choice Motel to the Chilkat Center on the mornings of the conference, as well as returning from the Chilkat Center in the evenings on conference days. 

For those interested in walking, the distance from the Captain’s Choice Motel to the Chilkat Center is approximately .8 miles. The distance from the Aspen Hotel to the Chilkat Center is approximately .9 miles. Both lodging options are within one block of a grocery store and are in close proximity to local eateries and shops.

Car rentals are very limited in Haines. If you would like to rent a car, we recommend booking a vehicle ASAP through Avis or Captain’s Choice Car Rentals.

Visit Haines is an excellent resource for those planning to extend their trip and explore!

Haines Alaska Migration Celebration: May 1- 3, 2026

• Each spring, the Chilkat Valley comes alive with movement, sound, and new life. The Haines Alaska Migration Celebration honors one of North America’s greatest natural gatherings — when the return of eulachon draws thousands of birds, sea lions, whales, and eagles to our shores. This springtime event blends birding, culture, and the wild spirit of Alaska as we celebrate the return of life to Southeast Alaska.

• Learn more about the Haines Alaska Migration Celebration here.

First Friday with Chilkat Forever: May 1, 2026 from 5pm -7pm at the Chilkat Center lobby

• Join community members and the Chilkat Forever team in a celebration of the upcoming harvest season and learn more about efforts to protect the Chilkat Valley from the proposed Palmer mine project. 

• Learn more about Chilkat Forever and this upcoming event here.