It’s time for Page Two: News that might not make the front page for Friday March 6, 2026.
You might remember a few days ago that we had a story about the Winter Discovery Day. It’s tomorrow at the Government Peak Recreation Area. We at Page 2 decided we wanted to know more about the organization spearheading the event. So we called the Executive Director of the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation Taylor Raftery.
She has worked for the foundation since 2020. People were just starting to take COVID seriously at that time. Parks and trails in the Mat-Su experienced a three-fold increase in users. “And to be honest” Raftery says, “it has not slowed down.”
The foundation has been around since 2011. It’s a conduit for funding for outdoor projects—both large and small. It provided funding for the 60-mile connector trail from Curry Ridge to Beyers Lake two years ago.
It just completed a 1.7 million dollar rehabilitation project at Independence Mine. This included a new security system, storm windows, and some paint. The foundation worked with land managers on that project. It raised funds from federal sources and the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust.
The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation funds smaller projects as well. It has funded things like trail construction and grooming. In a typical year, the foundation donates over $350,000 to parks and trails projects. Last year, it contributed over $700,000 to about a dozen organizations according to Raftery.
It also sponsors several community events each year including tomorrow’s Winter Discovery Day. Look for Frostfest in October. And they’re planning a new event this summer to promote summer outdoor activities
The primary focus of the foundation is to give grants to outdoor-related nonprofits. “We have some great partners out here in the Mat-Su,” Raftery says. “It’s definitely rewarding to be able to work with them. I get to learn a lot about the area and the people who are doing amazing things!”
And one of the amazing things is tomorrow at the Government Peak Recreation Area from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Winter Discovery Day is hosted by Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation and Revel Treks & Tours.
This free event connects locals to winter recreation opportunities and resources. Come for gear demonstrations, info tables from local organizations, and educational exhibits. And the swag. And the cocoa. And the fire pits. Let’s enjoy the winter while it’s still here.
Mark Morris of Rapid Grass plays at Hatcher Pass Lodge tomorrow from 4 to 7 p.m.
Don’t forget Daylight Saving Times starts this weekend. Clocks jump ahead an hour at 2 a.m. Sunday morning.
And the kids are now on spring break.
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This Page Two article was written by David Cheezem and read by Lee Henrikson. If you have an idea for a Page 2 topic, please email us at page2@radiofreepalmer.org.
That’s it for today and the news on Page Two on Friday March 6, 2026.