Fairbanks Airport Crews Clear Snow at Creamer's Field for Migratory Birds

Annual snow clearing at the refuge prepares the area for the arrival of waterfowl in the spring.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:49am

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A vast, majestic landscape painting depicting the snow-covered expanse of Creamer's Field Refuge in Fairbanks, Alaska, with the snow-clearing equipment dwarfed by the overwhelming presence of the wintry natural environment.The annual snow clearing at Creamer's Field Refuge prepares the way for the return of migratory waterfowl to Fairbanks each spring.Fairbanks Today

In preparation for the arrival of migratory waterfowl in Fairbanks, staff from Fairbanks International Airport spent Thursday clearing snow out of Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. This annual process helps create landing strips for the incoming birds and reduces safety risks near the airport.

Why it matters

Creamer's Field is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts in Fairbanks, and the arrival of migratory birds each spring is an eagerly anticipated event. The snow clearing helps ensure the birds have a suitable place to land and rest after their long journeys.

The details

Using a Larue Snow Blower and a Caterpillar grader, the airport crews cleared the snow from Creamer's Field, revealing patches of green grass beneath. This process happens every spring to create landing strips for the incoming waterfowl, as migratory birds near the airport pose a safety risk to aircraft during takeoff and landing.

  • On Thursday, April 10, 2026, airport staff cleared the snow from Creamer's Field.
  • On Saturday, April 12, 2026, the Kiwanis Club of Fairbanks held an event where volunteers planted seeds across the field.

The players

Fairbanks International Airport

The airport that serves the Fairbanks, Alaska area and is responsible for clearing snow from Creamer's Field to prepare for the arrival of migratory birds.

Creamer's Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge

A popular birdwatching destination in Fairbanks, Alaska that hosts migratory waterfowl each spring.

Hailey Standish

The Communications and Public Relations Specialist with Fairbanks International Airport who explained the snow clearing process.

Kiwanis Club of Fairbanks

A local community service organization that held an event to plant seeds at Creamer's Field after the snow was cleared.

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What they’re saying

“Migratory birds near the airport poses a safety risk when airplanes are coming in and landing and when they're taking off.”

— Hailey Standish, Communications and Public Relations Specialist, Fairbanks International Airport

“I know Fairbanks really enjoys this tradition of watching migratory birds come in. I think this is just, like, the starting point where people are starting to get really excited for springtime, especially after such a long, cold winter that we had.”

— Hailey Standish, Communications and Public Relations Specialist, Fairbanks International Airport

What’s next

The Kiwanis Club of Fairbanks will continue their efforts to prepare Creamer's Field for the arrival of migratory birds by planting additional seeds and vegetation across the refuge.

The takeaway

The annual snow clearing at Creamer's Field is an important tradition that helps ensure the safety of both migratory birds and aircraft near the Fairbanks airport, while also preserving a beloved springtime event for the local community.