Safe Summer Kick-Off Launches in Palmer; Inspiring Outdoor Adventure and Awareness
Contributed by Kierre Childers
As the summer season approaches, the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation and Revel Treks and Tours are inviting the community to gather, learn, and celebrate at the first annual Safe Summer Kick-Off in Palmer. Join the foundation and local partners on May 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Palmer Depot for a free, family-friendly event designed to help residents prepare for a safe and adventurous season outdoors.
Attendees can explore informational booths, meet community groups, and discover new ways to enjoy the Mat-Su’s extensive network of trails, rivers, and public lands. The event will be a full day of education, connection, and hands-on learning.
A key focus of the event is safety. Throughout the day, experts will provide free presentations and demonstrations on topics such as bear safety, water safety, trail etiquette, and backcountry navigation. These sessions aim to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence needed to responsibly adventure this summer season.
The Safe Summer Kick-Off also highlights the broader mission of the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation, to promote healthy communities by expanding access to trails and outdoor spaces. By fostering partnerships and providing resources, the organization continues to support safe, sustainable recreation across the region.
About the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation: Since 2014, Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation (MSTPF) has provided grant funding to various non-profits and agencies, resulting in over 85 miles of new trails and 12 parks, the purchase of essential trail grooming and maintenance equipment, trail markers, and interpretive signage, and necessary trailhead amenities like bathrooms. In 2025 MSTPF granted out over $675,000 to 14 different local organizations.
“Our goal at the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation is to be the parks and trails resource for the Mat-Su, but a common barrier to access is lacking the knowledge and skills needed to explore confidently. Safe Summer Kick-Off helps make that possible by giving people the tools and resources they need to adventure responsibly,” says Taylor Raftery, Executive Director for the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation.
For media inquiries please contact: Kierre Childers, Revel Treks and Tours (Revel is coordinating the event) info@revelak.com, 907-903-1664 or Taylor Raftery, Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation traftery@matsutrails.org, 907-795-2235.