National Trails Day - INHT Mile 21 Trail Build Out

We will be constructing a new section of the Iditarod National Historic Trail beginning at Mile 21 and working towards Ptarmigan Creek. The work will be strenuous and the terrain steep using hand tools such as pulaskis and shovels. Volunteers should be aware of their own abilities. The trail crew will have the trail corridor cleared of downed logs and partnering Youth Crew will be working on constructing trail tread the week prior to the event. Volunteers will work alongside both Alaska Geographic Youth Crew and Forest Service employees.

HIKING INFO:

We will be no more than ¼ mile from the parking area. However, the terrain is steep and uneven as the trail tread is not yet established.

WHAT IT TAKES:

Work will be strenuous at times and volunteers must come prepared with food and water for the day. We will not be returning to the trailhead for lunch. Volunteers MUST be prepared with appropriate attire (including sturdy footwear/ boots, work gloves, eye protection) and safety gear.

WHAT TO WEAR:

Long Pants (you may stain them with dirt)

Long Sleeves

Sturdy Work Boots (NOT sneakers)

WHAT TO BRING:

Food (lunch and snack)

Water bottles for a whole day on the trail (recommend 1 gallon at least)

Work Gear:

o Work Gloves

o Rain Gear, Warm layers, bug spray, sunscreen

o Eye Protection (sunglasses)

o Backpack (lunch, food, water for the day)

Alaska Trails will provide hand tools: Shovels, Pulaskis, Picks, Loppers, hardhats

WHAT NOT TO BRING:

Dogs

Children

DIRECTIONS/ADDRESS/NAME OF TRAILHEAD:

Volunteers will meet at Kenai Lake Work Center (Mile 23 of the Seward Highway, just north of the railroad crossing) at 9:00am outside of the main office (1stbuilding on the compound). After introductions, discussing the Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), and gather tools we will then consolidate vehicles and drive to the unsigned Mile 21 parking area approximately 2 miles south of the Work Center at the Mile 21 highway marker on the east side of the highway. There is very limited parking here.