Two-day, two-location community event celebrates summer, raises funds for vital trail work equipment
(Press release)
ANCHORAGE – Nordic skis are tucked away but Anchorage’s world-class trail system is buzzing with hikers, bikers, runners, walkers and nature lovers. To commemorate Summer Solstice and Anchorage’s trails, and raise funds for critical trail work, the first NSAA Dozer Days events debut at two popular Anchorage trailheads – 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, June 21, at the Raspberry Road parking lot at Kincaid Park; and 5-7 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at the Abbott Road parking lot for the Hillside trails. The free events will feature kids activities, door prizes and music, as well as free locally brewed root beer and food.
Dozer Days will build awareness of NSAA’s important summer trail work, which requires heavy duty equipment and talented staff working in all seasons. The events spotlight Anchorage’s trails and outdoor community, give trail users and families a chance to learn more about NSAA’s extensive summer trail work (and check out an NSAA PistenBully and other cool equipment!), and support NSAA in its drive to raise $15,000 for the purchase of a bulldozer to bolster its summer trail work. Learn more about the Dozer Days fundraising drive at www.anchoragenordicski.com.
NSAA uses machinery to combat erosion, ruts and growth which keeps trails sustainable for all users. NSAA Operations staff will be on hand at both events to talk about their year-round, behind-the-scenes trail work.
Anchorage’s trail history is rooted in hundreds of NSAA volunteers. Since the early ‘60s, dirt, sweat, planning and passion have built Anchorage’s world-class trails, particularly Kincaid Park where many of these early volunteers have trails named after them. Following the trail design and construction era, NSAA is now focused on caring for and strengthening the trail system with regular, extensive maintenance to ensure sustainability for years to come. This is hard work that requires heavy equipment and skilled labor.
NSAA thanks Eagle River’s Odd Man Rush Brewing for the root beer.
For more than 50 years, NSAA has promoted healthy lifestyles and all forms of Nordic skiing, as well as introduced Alaskans to cross- country skiing through learn-to-ski programs, ski races and events. NSAA also grooms and maintains more than 150 kilometers of trails in the Anchorage area. Learn more about NSAA at www.anchoragenordicski.com.