May is summer's emergence in Alaska! Grizzly and black bear, often with winter born young, escape their dens in search of sustenance after a long hibernation. Trumpeter Swans, Barrow's Goldeneye, Varied Thrush and Robins are making their annual migration north to the boreal forest and interior wetlands along age old migratory flyways. Mating times are critical, and nesting is usually the same place each year. Early blooming wildflowers like Lupine and Fairy Slipper are also emerging to the longer days of sun and warmth in the far north. Soon, there will be almost 24 hours of daylight as summer solstice approaches. The short boreal summer is bursting with activity at 61° N latitude!

Our summer construction season begins at Boreal Alaska EcoLodge in late May. First, we continue an upgrade of our solar power (PV) system. We'll replace our older 11% efficient array modules (3 kW) with 18% efficient Sanyo modules (4.5 kW), upping our power output 50%. An Outback FLEXmax 80 MPPT solar charge controller will replace the Xantrex MPPT 60. By early June we begin construction on the Boreal Canopy Welcome Center, tree platforms and skybridges. Follow us on Facebook for photos and updates!