Spruce Forest - Amaknak Island - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery

The Sitka Spruce forest on Amaknak Island. Fierce winds, limited sunshine and cold soil force these trees to cling low to the earth, their small size concealing their true age. The trees have withstood roughly two centuries of unfavorable conditions. The plantation is designated a National Historic Landmark (1978) and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.