Juneau in Juneau Borough, Alaska — Northwest (North America)

Recolonizing Plants Create Patterns of Change

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 1, 2026

1. Recolonizing Plants Create Patterns of Change Marker

Inscription.
As you look out from this vista point notice the change in the forest patterns from right to left. Starting from the glacier, across the lake to the lake shore, the rocks and till are rather barren. Continuing your gaze to the left, small shrubs of willow and alder are growing on the gentle moraine.

Further to the left, looking down the valley, the cottonwoods give way to taller and more mature spruce on the horizon. What you have discovered in the natural process of plant succession; nature’s way of restoring life to a barren landscape.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Features.

Location. 58° 25.028′ N, 134° 32.716′ W. Marker is in Juneau, Alaska, in Juneau Borough. It is at the intersection of East Glacier Trail and Glacier Spur Road, on the left when traveling east on East Glacier Trail. Marker is located on the East Glacier Trail, just above the visitor center. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Juneau AK 99801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Alaska,

in Tlingit

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and Haida & Tsimshian Region.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

in the Inside Passage,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Russian Empire.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Valley Air Conditioned by Ice (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Features in a Glacial Landscape (about 400 feet away); Patterns in a Changing Landscape (about 500 feet away); Naturally Designed for Salmon (about 800 feet away); A Flat Spot in the Forest (approx. ¼ mile away); Presidential Party Visits Glacier (approx. ¼ mile away); Water from a Rock (approx. ¼ mile away); A View in Time (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Juneau.

More about this marker. An image of the view appears on the marker with features described: Spruce forests appear further from the glacier, indicating their age.; Cottonwoods grow along the riparian zones cut into the glacial landscape.; Fire weed, Alder shrubs, and occasional

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 1, 2026

2. Recolonizing Plants Create Patterns of Change Marker

spruce seedlings colonize the recovery zone.; and Barren rock recently exposed shows plants and lichens.

View from the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, September 1, 2026

3. View from the Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 10 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 13, 2026, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.