NIc'anilen Na' is a 60 acre property belonging to WISE at mile 21 of the Edgerton Highway at Lower Tonsina. The property is protected by a conservation easement held by Great Land Trust which protects the natural values of the ecosystem while allowing education and interpretation programs. Nic'anilen Na' (NEEK on a lynn NAH) is the traditional Ahtna name for the place, meaning "where the stream flows out into the current" The land transfer and conservation easement were completed in 2020. We are very grateful to donors Cliff Eames and Ruth McHenry, whose lifetime records of stewardship and community activism are an inspiration. in 2023 WISE completed a 2-year project with the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance program to create a management plan for Nic'anilen Na'. The plan presents long term visions and goals for the property, along with step by step plans to achieve those goals. A copy of this plan is available here, or can be requested from the WISE office.
Nic'anilen Na' includes an incredible variety of habitat types, from upland birch forest to salmon stream. We look forward to hosting programs here, and enjoying the amazing beauty and diversity of this place.
A team of WISE volunteers works on trail clearing at Nic'anilen Na', while Zephyr the dog keeps the squirrels at bay.