Dappled sunlight through the trees. A hedgehog mushroom poking up through the moss. Alpine lakes play hide and seek through the mist. A porcupine visits overnight to nibble on your friend’s boot laces. A symphony of bird song. Discovering the old mining equipment and cabins slowly being consumed by the forest. Our Alaskan way of life is built around the corridors that connect us to nature and one another.
This year, we are celebrating one of the Heritage Area’s most iconic trail systems — the Iditarod National Historic Trail, or INHT — with a series of volunteer events where we will make memories, share stories, and leave the trails just a little better than we found them.
- June 7 & 8: National Trails Day at Spencer Glacier
- July 12: TBD
- August 2: New INHT trail sign installation
- August 23: New INHT trail sign installation
- September 6: New INHT trail sign installation
Trails play an essential role in our lives, as they provide us access to nature’s many gifts. As such, we have an essential role to play in return. Trail stewardship takes many forms, and actions large and small all make a difference in keeping our trails accessible and enjoyable. We are excited to bring community members together from across the Heritage Area to show appreciation for our cherished trails.
If you can’t attend our Trail Volunteer Days or prefer to show your support in another way, we ask that you consider becoming an independent donor. All funds raised will be used to offset operational and supply costs. By becoming a donor, you can help us rally support and make a real impact. Every dollar raised helps protect the places we recreate in and love.
Family Friendly
Trail users of all ages are welcome to participate in KMTA Trail Volunteer Days. Are you curious about trail work but don’t totally know what that means? Join us! Training and tools will be provided. All participants must be able to independently hike the distance and difficulty provided in the Trail Volunteer Days descriptions below. Minors (under 18 years old) need to be accompanied by an adult.
Maintenance on the Move
We appreciate your time and willingness to dedicate it to the betterment of local trails. We will do our best to balance trail projects with the enjoyment of the trail itself. During KMTA Trail Volunteer Days, we will work as we hike the trail, using lightweight tools to maximize our impact while keeping our load light.
This summer, KMTA is stepping up to meet a critical need. Due to major staffing cuts at the U.S. Forest Service, there aren’t enough federal resources to maintain the trails we all rely on across the National Heritage Area. KMTA’s Trail Volunteer Days across the Chugach National Forest will help keep much-loved trails safe, accessible, and open to the public.
To aid our Trail Volunteer Days effort, we are seeking sponsors to provide financial support to help cover operational and supply costs. In return, your company would be acknowledged as one of our sponsors on our website, social channels, newsletter, and other digital materials. We would also highlight your support in our annual report, which is widely shared with our followers, community leaders, partners, and elected officials.
By becoming a sponsor, you can help us rally support and make a real impact. Every dollar raised helps protect the places we recreate in and love. To become a Trail Volunteer Days sponsor, please reach out to our Marketing & Events Manager, Lily Aey – lily@kmtacorridor.org. Thank you for your consideration!
