Search for Pollinators

Many different pollinators visit cow parsnip.

NPS Photo

Pollinators come in lots of different shapes and sizes, just like the flowers that attract them. You can find a variety of animals flying and crawling in and around the park's flowers.

Different seasons, times of day, heights above the ground, and types of plants will reveal different pollinators. For example, bumblebees can fly when temperatures are low, so they are out when other insects are too cold. They are also heavier than most insects and can muscle their way into oddly shaped flowers like lupines. Hoverflies look like bees, but have shorter mouths, so you can find them on flowers with shallow blooms like dandelions.

Your nose can help you find more pollinators. Some insect pollinators are attracted to plants like skunk cabbage that have a strong smell.

Plants have many types of adaptations to take advantage of their pollinators. Some release clouds of pollen when touched; others use sticky nectar like glue. Some are perfectly matched to one specific pollinator; others are less picky and attract lots of different pollinators.

Details

Duration

15 Minutes

Activity

Wildlife Watching

Look and listen for as many different kinds of pollinators as you can find. Remember to search for birds and gastropods (slugs!) in addition to insects. Use your nose to find smelly flowers. Once you find a plant with a pollinator, try to figure out what makes them such a good match. You may need to return at different seasons and times of day to find more pollinators.

Pets Allowed

Yes with Restrictions

Pets are allowed on trails that start at the visitor center, but not indoors. You must keep your pet on a leash that is no more than six feet long and dispose of your pet's waste in a trash can.

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Sitka National Historical Park Totem Trail

The Totem Trail starts at the visitor center at 139163 Metlakatla Street near downtown Sitka. It is a 15 to 25 minute walk from all major hotels in Sitka, as well as from the main docks where cruise ship passengers disembark. City buses also stop at the visitor center's upper parking lot every hour. A short connector trail leads to parking on Sawmill Creek Road almost due east of the visitor center.

Reservations

No

Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Time of Day

Day, Dawn, Dusk

Find operating hours and seasons on the park website.

Accessibility Information

Two accessible parking spaces are available in the visitor center parking lot. A paved trail with curb cuts leads to the visitor center from downtown Sitka. Accessible restrooms, a lowered water fountain, and an extended picnic table are available outside the visitor center. The trail is generally six feet wide, relatively flat, and paved with crushed gravel.