Palmer

Ecosystem Overview

The Palmer ecosystem supports 11 documented wildlife species across 11 taxonomic genera. Located in Matanuska-Susitna, Alaska, this area provides critical habitat with diverse natural communities. The location hosts 3 frequently observed species and 2 occasionally documented species, creating a balanced ecosystem with both resident and visiting wildlife. While Wasilla nearby has 35% more documented species, Palmer offers unique wildlife observation opportunities. This location ranks #5 for species diversity among 21 Matanuska-Susitna County natural areas, placing it in the 76th percentile for biodiversity.

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 21 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common3 species

Common3 species

Occasional3 species

Rare2 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#5 of 21 locations

76th percentile for diversity

vs. Wasilla

-35% species diversity

Ecosystem Overview

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Biodiversity Highlights

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Species Distribution

Very Common‌

Common‌

Occasional‌

Rare‌

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

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Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 11 total documented species.

Dolichovespula arenaria

Common Aerial Yellowjacket

Very Common1 obs.

Andrena clarkella

Clarke's Mining Bee

Very Common1 obs.

Eristalis arbustorum

Hover Fly

Very Common1 obs.

Misumena vatia

Goldenrod Crab Spider

Very Common1 obs.

Hedysarum alpinum

Very Common1 obs.

Melilotus albus

white melilot

Common1 obs.

Plantago major

Great Plantain

Common1 obs.

Contarinia virginianiae

Common1 obs.

Silene chalcedonica

Maltesecross

Common1 obs.

Trifolium pratense

red clover

Common1 obs.

Bombus mckayi

Common1 obs.

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Most Common Species

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Want the Complete Field Guide?

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Get Your Personalized Field Guide

Download a professional PDF field guide featuring all the species found in Palmer. Perfect for outdoor adventures, education, and nature exploration.

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-35%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Matanuska-Susitna County, Alaska

Nearby Natural Areas

Wasilla

Importance: 0.45

17 species

-35% vs. current

Matanuska-susitna

Importance: 0.39

100 species

-89% vs. current

Lake Lucile

Importance: 0.35

6 species

+83% vs. current

Bonnie Lake

Importance: 0.35

5 species

+120% vs. current

Beyers Lake

Importance: 0.35

4 species

+175% vs. current

South Rolly Lake

Importance: 0.35

3 species

+267% vs. current

Talkeetna Lakes

Importance: 0.35

2 species

+450% vs. current

Lake Lorraine

Importance: 0.35

2 species

+450% vs. current

About This Comparison

These comparisons are based on documented wildlife observations from citizen science data. Locations with higher species counts may have more observation activity, different habitat types, or larger coverage areas. Regional rankings help identify biodiversity hotspots and unique natural areas within Matanuska-Susitna County.

Regional Comparison

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Regional Ranking

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Species Count

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vs. Regional Average

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Nearby Natural Areas

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About This Comparison

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Regional Comparison

Regional Ranking

Species Count

-35%

vs. Regional Average

Compared to 8 nearby locations in Matanuska-Susitna County, Alaska

Nearby Natural Areas

Wasilla

Importance: 0.45

17 species

-35% vs. current

Matanuska-susitna

Importance: 0.39

100 species

-89% vs. current

Lake Lucile

Importance: 0.35

6 species

+83% vs. current

Bonnie Lake

Importance: 0.35

5 species

+120% vs. current

Beyers Lake

Importance: 0.35

4 species

+175% vs. current

South Rolly Lake

Importance: 0.35

3 species

+267% vs. current

Talkeetna Lakes

Importance: 0.35

2 species

+450% vs. current

Lake Lorraine

Importance: 0.35

2 species

+450% vs. current

About This Comparison

Ecosystem Overview

Biodiversity Highlights

Total Species

Documented wildlife species

Genus Diversity

Taxonomic genera represented

Common Species

Frequently observed species

Rare Species

Occasionally documented species

Regional Rank

Out of 21 locations

Species Distribution

Very Common3 species

Common3 species

Occasional3 species

Rare2 species

Regional Context

Regional Ranking

#5 of 21 locations

76th percentile for diversity

vs. Wasilla

-35% species diversity

Most Common Species

Showing 20 most frequently observed species out of 11 total documented species.

Dolichovespula arenaria

Common Aerial Yellowjacket

Very Common1 obs.

Andrena clarkella

Clarke's Mining Bee

Very Common1 obs.

Eristalis arbustorum

Hover Fly

Very Common1 obs.

Misumena vatia

Goldenrod Crab Spider

Very Common1 obs.

Hedysarum alpinum

Very Common1 obs.

Melilotus albus

white melilot

Common1 obs.

Plantago major

Great Plantain

Common1 obs.

Contarinia virginianiae

Common1 obs.

Silene chalcedonica

Maltesecross

Common1 obs.

Trifolium pratense

red clover

Common1 obs.

Bombus mckayi

Common1 obs.

Want the Complete Field Guide?

Get all 11 species with 3-4 high-quality images each, detailed descriptions, and a downloadable PDF for offline use.

Premium field guide includes identification tips, seasonal patterns, and professional layout optimized for field use.