It’s time to put away the winter gear and get ready for summer. Get those hiking boots out. Start thinking about fishing gear. Pull out the kayaks and the waterproof boots. Trade your ski poles for your trekking poles. Check the expiration date on your bear spray.
And remember: Safety in the outdoors is important. You can always use a refresher or learn something new about summertime safety in back country Alaska.
With that in mind, you can start the season off with the Safe Summer Kick-off on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Palmer Depot.
The Kickoff is sponsored by the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation. They know that having access to the outdoors promotes healthy communities. And by access, they mean safe access. And by safe, they mean being prepared with the right equipment and the right knowledge.
The Kick-Off will help you hike, climb, fish, and boat with the knowledge you need to be safe.
The event is organized by Revel Treks and Tours. Come learn about bear safety, water safety, trail etiquette, and backcountry navigation.
Also find out about the wealth of trails, rivers, and public lands available for summertime adventure. About a dozen organizations will share information about trails, waterways and public lands in our area.
Four free seminars will help build your safety skills:
Prevent, Avoid, Respond: Alaska Wildlife Safety by Onward and Upward;
Planning, Preparation, Communication and Emergency Response by the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group;
Cold Water & Boating Safety by the Alaska Office of Boating Safety; and
Theory & Practice of Outdoor Risk Management with Onward and Upward.
Come to the Safe Summer Kick-Off at the Palmer Depot between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday. It’s free and all are welcome.
And, speaking of safety, warmer temperatures mean that the ice on creeks, lakes, and rivers is melting. It is unstable.
As ice decays, its thickness and strength varies from one area to another. This creates conditions that are hazardous and hard to see. Even ice that appears thick can be weak and dangerous due to warming temperatures and changing conditions.
If you see someone fall through the ice, call 911 immediately. Officials emphasize that bystanders should maintain a safe distance from the water.
Keep visual contact with the individual or their last known location. Do not attempt to go onto the ice to help. You may need to be rescued, too.
Page 2 airs weekdays at 7 a.m., 9 a.m., 11:50 a.m., and 6 p.m.
Tune in at 89.7 in Palmer, 89.5 in Sutton, 88.3 in Chickaloon and Glacier View or online at bigcabbageradio.org.
Please support Page 2 News. Donate today at bigcabbageradio.org.
This Page Two article was reported by David Cheezem and produced by yours truly, 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 Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
[Photo courtesy of Revel Treks & Tours]