Join Tsalteshi every Monday this summer at 6 p.m., June 26-Aug. 28, for weekly guided hikes, workshops and informational topics. If you’ve ever wanted to get to know the trails but don’t want to explore alone, this is your chance! Get to know the trails, other trail users and maybe even a thing or two about nature.
Events are free and open to the public. No registration required, just meet us at 6 p.m. on the trails. Hikes last about an hour (though you’re free to leave anytime). Dress for the weather and wear comfortable footwear for walking. We’ll bring bear spray and bug spray (but you might want to bring your own… the mosquitoes are getting voracious!)
June 26 — Slikok Trails trash pickup. Our beloved eagles keep bringing their prizes from the landfill to eat at Tsalteshi and they don’t clean up their leftovers. Please lend a hand in getting the trash picked up for summer. We’ll provide bags, gloves and bug spray. Meet at the trailhead of the Slikok Multi-Use Trails, Mile 98.5 Sterling Highway. (If you’re coming from Soldotna, it’s the first right off the highway after you pass the landfill.)
July 3 — Insect ecology. The smallest creatures can have a huge impact on forest ecology. Join Dr. David Wartinbee, retired biology professor at Kenai Peninsula College, to learn about some of the smallest residents of Tsalteshi Trails. Meet at the hockey rink at the Skyview Middle School trailhead, 46188 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669.
July 10 — Train training. Laura Gerber, a physical therapist with Alaska Aquatic & Rehab Therapy and Awareness in Motion Alaska, offers tips for avoiding and overcoming injuries and getting in good hiking shape. Meet at the Wolverine trailhead, off Kalifornsky Beach Road, across from the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex.
July 17 — Horse sense. Our friends at Kenai Peninsula Back Country Horsemen of Alaska will teach you how to safely encounter horses on hiking trails in Alaska. Horses aren’t allowed on Tsalteshi Trails (we’re making an exception for this training), but many trails on the peninsula are open to various user groups. Spooking a horse by not knowing how to approach and pass can be dangerous for the horse, rider and you! Meet at the trailhead of the Slikok Multi-Use Trails, Mile 98.5 Sterling Highway. (If you’re coming from Soldotna, it’s the first right off the highway after you pass the landfill.)
July 24 — Tsalteshi Track Patch hike. Meet at the old hockey rink behind Skyview Middle School
July 31 — Plant identification. Learn about native plants at Tsalteshi and help us be on the lookout for invasives to stop them from getting a hold at the trails. With invasive species specialist Maura Schumacher and botanist Bonnie Bernard with the Kenai Watershed Forum. Location TBA.
Aug. 7 — Wildlife trivia. Learn fun facts about the other creatures (beyond humans) that can be out on the trails. With the Alaska Wildlife Alliance. Location TBA.
Aug. 14 — TBA
Aug. 21 — Berry/edible mushroom identification. Forgot to bring a snack for your hike, run or ride? Never fear, wild snacks are here! Meet at the Wolverine Trailhead, off Kalifornsky Beach Road, across from the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex. (Might be postponed if berries aren’t ripe yet).
Aug. 28 — Forest for the trees. Join forester Mitch Michaud for a walk to Tsalteshi’s hemlock grove. (Bet you didn’t know Tsalteshi has hemlocks!) Meet at the Skyview Middle School trailhead, 46188 Sterling Hwy, Soldotna, AK 99669.
Thank you to all the volunteers who are making this program happen!
Questions? Contact us at info@tsalteshi.org or call Jenny at 907-394-6397.