Sitka Sound Science Center
The Sitka Sound Science Center is a marine learning and research non-profit in Sitka, Alaska. It is based in the Sage Building, which is located on Lincoln Street across from the Stratton Library building.[1] It includes a hatchery, the Molly Ahlgren Aquarium, a research lab, and offices. The center was established in 2007 on the Sheldon Jackson College campus after the college closed.[2]
The center has a scientist in residence program.[3][4] In 2019, the sawmill building was being restored for posterity and use by the center.[5][6] The hatchery was vandalized in 2019.[7] The Science Center has also offered summer camp programs.[8]
Molly Ahlgren Aquarium
The Molly Ahlgren Aquarium is named after a respected local marine ecologist who died in 2004.[9] It opened while the Sage Building was still under Sheldon Jackson College management in 2005 through funding provided by grants written by Ahlgren before her death.[10]
The aquarium includes touch tanks and several exhibits, including an octopus tank. In 2019 it had 14,500 visitors.[10]
References
- Kirkland, Erin (April 15, 2017). "Alaska on the Go: Exploring the Alaska Marine Highway System with Children". University of Alaska Press – via Google Books.
- "Sitka Sound Science Center | Salmon Hatchery, Aquarium, Tours". Alaska.org.
- "Scientist in Residence works to unveil genetics of Alaska fish". April 22, 2019.
- "Geophysicist visits Sitka, learns to talk shop". November 6, 2018.
- "Rasmuson Foundation awards $330,000 to revitalize mill building". July 18, 2018.
- "April 12, 2019, Letters to the Editor". sitkasentinel.com.
- "With one turn of a valve, hatchery vandal kills 1,000 juvenile coho". May 10, 2018.
- Rose, Katherine; Sitka, KCAW- (August 8, 2016). "Sitka Sound Science Center students complete skeletal rearticulation of sea lion".
- Haugland, Shannon (2 December 2019). "Candlelight Service Honors EMT Ahlgren". Sitka Sentinel. Sitka, United States. Retrieved 3 December 2019.
- Kennedy, Garland (7 February 2020). "Improved, Remodeled Aquarium to Reopen". Sitka Sentinel. Sitka, United States. Retrieved 8 February 2020.