Chilkat Biodiveristy Conference

Haines, Alaska 99827

Wednesday, October 8, 2025- Friday, October 10, 2025

Day 1: Wednesday, October 8th

Gathering, introduction to landscape, sharing of an evening meal catered with local foods.

Day 2: Thursday, October 9th

Keynote speaker, sharing of knowledge through presentations, discussion about gaps in knowledge, breakout groups, and sharing local foods.

Day 3: Friday, October 10th

Field day where various experts disperse to chosen habitats to explore their areas of expertise.

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 Conference 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 Tuesday, October 7th. We will have a shuttle available at the ferry terminal in Haines to transport participants arriving by ferry to their hotels on Tuesday, October 7th.

Lodging: There are currently rooms blocked at two establishments: Aspen Hotel and Captain’s Choice Motel. We recommend booking your room by Tuesday, September 16th.

To book a room with our discounted rate at the Aspen Hotel in Haines, call (907) 766-2211and use code CHBIO to indicate your participation in the Chilkat Biodiversity conference. 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 conference. 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 Harriett Hall on the mornings of the conference, as well as returning from Harriett Hall in the evenings on conference days. 

For those interested in walking, the distance from the Captain’s Choice Motel to Harriett Hall is approximately one mile. The distance from the Aspen Hotel to Harriett Hall is approximately .8 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.

Travel tips:
You can expect temperatures in the 40s F. October can bring gorgeous, crisp, sunny autumn days, but you should also be prepared for rain. We recommend bringing a rain jacket, as well as rain boots and rain pants if you plan to spend time adventuring outdoors. 

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