Can you walk, bike or swim 100 miles in a month? The 100 Miles In May Challenge will help you get there.
The 100 Miles in May Challenge is a fundraiser for the Healthy Futures program, which works to empower Alaska’s youth to build the habit of daily physical activity. It’s an excellent opportunity to encourage physical activity among employees, family, or friends, and role model healthy behavior for youth. As participants enter their exercise into a mileage converter, they can track their status on group, category, and statewide leaderboards
Your Easy Steps:
1. Register: 100miles.healthyfuturesak.org 2. Create a Team and enter a pledge that fits your budget. Or just go solo. 3. Invite Team Members: Invite co-workers, friends, or family. 4. Challenge other teams to a friendly competition.
Join the MOVE-Ment. Get in shape for summer, promote a healthy lifestyle, and support Healthy Futures. ALL activities convert to miles.
Thank you for supporting Healthy Futures and our work in building a healthy, active youth population. This statewide event is a fundraiser, so individuals and teams are asked to make a donation pledge. There are prizes for those who make the 100-mile goal.
This free, four-month challenge starts on Sunday, May 1, and runs through Thursday, Sept. 1. Anybody who records at least 150 miles walked during the challenge will be entered to win the Alaska Airlines tickets or other prizes from Juneau merchants. The drawing for the airline tickets will be on Friday, Sept. 9.
Originally geared toward Juneau residents, this challenge has been expanded to include a community challenge for residents of other communities. There are places on the website for residents of Petersburg, Wrangell, and Ketchikan to register, plus there is an Other Communities link for residents of other Southeast communities including Sitka. The community with the highest average miles walked per participant will win a trophy from Alaska Airlines.
The hike will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 28. Seniors should meet to hike Gájaa Héen Wat (Starrigavan Estuary). Rides are available for those who need them. Participants should be prepared to wear masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and practice distancing while on the hike.
Normally, the group picks the trail on the day of the hike, but occasionally a trail is picked before the event. SAIL makes trekking poles available for hikers to use (trekking poles are great on ice or uneven terrain, and they help seniors keep their balance), and hikers are encouraged to bring ice cleats such as YakTrax during the icy months of winter.
SAIL offers Senior Hiking Club events for those age 60 or older once or twice a month, and now plans to alternate them on Mondays with Adventure Club events. There is a $10 fee, but nobody will be turned away because of finances. (NOTE: Due to funding concerns, starting in February the fee for the hikes will increase from $5 to $10 and there will be a fee of $3 one way and $5 both ways to use the shuttle bus. Please use this link for the scholarship form, https://forms.gle/SYCKpaVjCoKXpzqz5.) The hikes are open to people of all abilities and fitness levels. To learn more about the Senior Hiking Club, check out our January 2013 post introducing the club.
To learn more about the Senior Hiking Club, senior and adaptive kayaking trips, senior cycling events, and and a variety of other outdoors skills and survival classes, contact SAIL ORCA (Outdoor Recreation and Community Access) program coordinator Matt Millado at 1-888-487-1029 or email him at mmillado@sailinc.org.
There will be eagles and jellyfish and herring, Oh My! Join us at 3:30 p.m. this Earth Day, Friday, April 22, for the 2022 Parade of the Species. After missing two years due to Covid-19, this is the 19th Parade of Species.
Get creative in the next week, creating a costume inspired by your favorite species. The sky’s the limit. We will meet at Totem Square for costume judging, then parade down Lincoln Street starting at 3:30 to the Sitka Fine Arts Camp campus. Costume prizes donated by local sponsors will be awarded at the end of the parade.
All ages are welcome. Masks are required. For more information, contact Emily Pound at emily@sitkawild.org or 747-7509.
The hike will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 21. Seniors should meet to hike K’aan Héeni (Thimbleberry Lake). Rides are available for those who need them. Participants should be prepared to wear masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and practice distancing while on the hike.
Normally, the group picks the trail on the day of the hike, but occasionally a trail is picked before the event. SAIL makes trekking poles available for hikers to use (trekking poles are great on ice or uneven terrain, and they help seniors keep their balance), and hikers are encouraged to bring ice cleats such as YakTrax during the icy months of winter.
SAIL offers Senior Hiking Club events for those age 60 or older once or twice a month, and now plans to alternate them on Mondays with Adventure Club events. There is a $10 fee, but nobody will be turned away because of finances. (NOTE: Due to funding concerns, starting in February the fee for the hikes will increase from $5 to $10 and there will be a fee of $3 one way and $5 both ways to use the shuttle bus. Please use this link for the scholarship form, https://forms.gle/SYCKpaVjCoKXpzqz5.) The hikes are open to people of all abilities and fitness levels. To learn more about the Senior Hiking Club, check out our January 2013 post introducing the club.
To learn more about the Senior Hiking Club, senior and adaptive kayaking trips, senior cycling events, and and a variety of other outdoors skills and survival classes, contact SAIL ORCA (Outdoor Recreation and Community Access) program coordinator Matt Millado at 1-888-487-1029 or email him at mmillado@sailinc.org.
Everyone is invited. Go to Lower Moller Field anytime from 5-6 p.m. The outdoor, self-paced walks can be done independently or while chatting with a neighbor.
Every week will feature a different prize to support you on your health journey, and a new walk-and-talk discussion prompt related to the series theme of “Living Life to the Fullest.”
For more information, call Doug Osborne at 907-966-8674 or email douglaso@searhc.org.
The hike will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 14. Seniors should meet at Sitka National Historical Park to hike the Totem Trails, then the group will meet at Yoga Union for Yoga With Kari. Rides are available for those who need them. Participants should be prepared to wear masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and practice distancing while on the hike.
Normally, the group picks the trail on the day of the hike, but occasionally a trail is picked before the event. SAIL makes trekking poles available for hikers to use (trekking poles are great on ice or uneven terrain, and they help seniors keep their balance), and hikers are encouraged to bring ice cleats such as YakTrax during the icy months of winter.
SAIL offers Senior Hiking Club events for those age 60 or older once or twice a month, and now plans to alternate them on Mondays with Adventure Club events. There is a $10 fee, but nobody will be turned away because of finances. (NOTE: Due to funding concerns, starting in February the fee for the hikes will increase from $5 to $10 and there will be a fee of $3 one way and $5 both ways to use the shuttle bus. Please use this link for the scholarship form, https://forms.gle/SYCKpaVjCoKXpzqz5.) The hikes are open to people of all abilities and fitness levels. To learn more about the Senior Hiking Club, check out our January 2013 post introducing the club.
To learn more about the Senior Hiking Club, senior and adaptive kayaking trips, senior cycling events, and and a variety of other outdoors skills and survival classes, contact SAIL ORCA (Outdoor Recreation and Community Access) program coordinator Matt Millado at 1-888-487-1029 or email him at mmillado@sailinc.org.
A new Sitka Trail Plan is under development, built by and for Sitkans
Access to the amazing natural beauty that surrounds our community is a cornerstone of quality of life in Sitka. Being active outdoors keeps Sitkans healthy and happy, which is why it’s vital to maintain and improve public trails.
For the last 20 years, Sitka Trail Works has invested in the maintenance and expansion of our local trail network. The success of partnerships with public land managers including the City and Borough of Sitka, Alaska State Parks, the US Forest Service, Sitka Tribe of Alaska, and the National Park Service, is due in large part to 2003 Sitka Trail Plan. The original Trail Plan guided the construction of the Herring Cove Trail, the Thimbleberry to Heart Lake Trail, and the entire Cross Trail network. Many of the outdoor destinations that Sitkans cherish today exist thanks to that first Trail Plan.
It’s time for a new vision. Having accomplished many of the original objectives, Sitka Trail Works is excited to launch the 2022 Sitka Trail Planning process. Collectively agreeing on our next priorities and advancing projects to shovel ready status will help Sitka compete for state and federal infrastructure funding. With this new plan guiding the way, we envision an even more robust trail system that supports the physical, mental, spiritual, and cultural vibrancy for future generations.
All Sitkans are invited to be a part of shaping the future of our trails. To start, Sitka Trail Works is widely distributing a public survey to gather information about current uses, challenges, and opportunities for our trail system. Everyone who completes the survey will be entered into a drawing to win a $100 cash prize.
Print copies are available at the library and an open house will be held at Harrigan Centennial Hall at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, May 11. In addition to circulating the survey, we will be connecting directly with various community groups for more in-depth discussions. After an initial round of extensive public engagement, Sitka Trail Works and partners will assess trail concept feasibility, identify shared priorities, and assemble an initial list of new trail project ideas. This draft list will be distributed to the public for another round of review and feedback. Only after a thorough vetting and approval by all public land managers will the new plan be formalized.
The goals of this planning process are to:
Make it easier and more inviting to be active and healthy outside;
Be good stewards of our spectacular cultural and natural landscape;
Help build a stronger, more durable local economy;
Provide diverse, equitable access to the outdoors;
Work within our means and by working together, increase our means!
The success of our community’s trail system depends on the collaboration of a wide range of organizations and individuals. Here’s what our partners have to say about Sitka’s Trails:
“Alaska’s outdoor opportunities, particularly our trail systems, are second to none. I’ve been proud to partner with groups like Sitka Trail Works to help expand, maintain, and keep our state’s trails safe for all who wish to enjoy them, and look forward to that continuing under our bipartisan infrastructure law,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski said. “The funding I secured through this historic legislation will help Alaska communities like Sitka restore and develop essential infrastructure that supports healthy and strong economies and improves the quality of life through recreational opportunities.
“Tlingit people have walked in these forests and paddled these waters since time immemorial, and we know that a connection to nature is vital to physical, mental, and spiritual health. We look forward to working with Sitka Trail Works and our public land management partners to craft a vision for how trails can help people hunt, gather, and bring their families outdoors on our traditional territory for generations to come.” – Woody Widmark, Tribal Chairman, Sitka Tribe of Alaska.
“The National Park Service was an integral partner during the development of the ambitious 2003 Sitka Trail Plan. Now we are excited that Sitka Trail Works and the many Sitka trail partners will be engaging in a next era of community based trail planning. Sitka National Historical Park’s trails are one of our most loved and well used features so we are eager to explore ways we can support this community initiative, better connect, and improve access to the recreation experience and solace trails provide.” – Mary Miller, Superintendent of Sitka National Historical Park
“Playing in the woods was a huge part of my childhood in Sitka. Thanks to the dogged efforts of Sitka Trail Works over the years, many families can get outdoors with a trail in their neighborhood. This planning process will help more young and old Sitkans reap the tremendous benefits of time spent in Sitka’s wet and wonderful shared backyard.” – Alaska Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tompkins, Sitka
“Sitka Trail Works, through its work with a diverse group of partners and agencies, built a model for the creation of an incredible public trail resource other Southeast communities can emulate. The Tongass National Forest is a proud partner in these efforts and hopes to share the insights and successes of our collaboration with other communities in Alaska. Through this type of work, we can bolster and demonstrate the social, economic and ecological benefits of accessible public lands.” – Jason Anderson, Staff Officer for Recreation, Minerals, Lands & Heritage, Tongass National Forest, US Forest Service
“Trails are critical infrastructure, used by Sitkans every day of the year to walk, bike, sightsee, and enjoy the outdoors greatly improving our standard of living. As I have in the past, I will continue to support projects, like the Sawmill Creek Road Separated Pathway and the Sea Walk, and in our State Parks, like Mosquito Cove and Halibut Point Rec, that support community health and the visitor economy. I appreciate Sitka Trail Works’ efforts to compile Sitkans’ shared priorities for future infrastructure needs.” – Alaska Sen. Bert Stedman, Sitka
“Sitka’s trails are one of the shining jewels of our town and I’m very excited that Sitka Trail Works is stepping up to prepare a trail plan for the next generation. I’m anxious to see what this new era brings.” – Mayor Steven Eisenbeisz
“At Waypoint for Veterans, we know that time in nature provides relaxation and personal growth for people who serve our country. Sitka Trail Works’ mission provides us a variety of well-maintained trails that allows Waypoint to customize trips for small and large groups of different physical abilities. We are grateful to be partnering with Sitka Trail Works’ as a way to reinforce our mission of offering healing through nature.” – Lucas Goddard, Executive Director, Waypoint for Veterans
“We partner with organizations like Sitka Trail Works to promote active lifestyles and a healthy balance of mind, body, and spirit,” said SEARHC President and CEO Charles Clement. “Sitka’s growing trail system provides access to the bounty and beauty of Alaska throughout the community.”
For more information, please contact:
Ben Hughey
Executive Director
Sitka Trail Works, Inc
907-747-7244
ben@sitkatrailworks.org
Want to honor Yaaw during this herring season? There will be a community five-kilometer fun run and walk to support the Herring Protectors on Saturday, April 9, at Whale Park. Registration opens at 9 a.m., with the race starting at 10 a.m.
This event is free, but optional donations to support the Herring Protectors are appreciation. T-shirts are available for $20.
For more information, or to request transportation to the event, call or text Bridget at 907-738-5515.
The hike will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 7 (note new time). Seniors should meet to hike Yaaw Kookk’ (Herring Cove). Rides are available for those who need them. Participants should be prepared to wear masks to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and practice distancing while on the hike.
Normally, the group picks the trail on the day of the hike, but occasionally a trail is picked before the event. SAIL makes trekking poles available for hikers to use (trekking poles are great on ice or uneven terrain, and they help seniors keep their balance), and hikers are encouraged to bring ice cleats such as YakTrax during the icy months of winter.
SAIL offers Senior Hiking Club events for those age 60 or older once or twice a month, and now plans to alternate them on Mondays with Adventure Club events. There is a $10 fee, but nobody will be turned away because of finances. (NOTE: Due to funding concerns, starting in February the fee for the hikes will increase from $5 to $10 and there will be a fee of $3 one way and $5 both ways to use the shuttle bus. Please use this link for the scholarship form, https://forms.gle/SYCKpaVjCoKXpzqz5.) The hikes are open to people of all abilities and fitness levels. To learn more about the Senior Hiking Club, check out our January 2013 post introducing the club.
To learn more about the Senior Hiking Club, senior and adaptive kayaking trips, senior cycling events, and and a variety of other outdoors skills and survival classes, contact SAIL ORCA (Outdoor Recreation and Community Access) program coordinator Matt Millado at 1-888-487-1029 or email him at mmillado@sailinc.org.
Walk Sitka 