support A juneau TRAIL CREW

Our Support a Crew fundraiser has officially concluded, and together we raised $54,184.44! Since we first launched this fundraiser in February, we’ve been filled with gratitude and love for our Juneau community and beyond. Donations and messages of encouragement poured in, raising the spirits of our staff during a difficult time and making our field work possible for the 2025 season. The generosity of all who donated will have a direct and lasting impact on our trail system and those who care for it.

Here’s how the funds will be used:

$21,000 will go toward labor costs for our three trail crews working on Forest Service trails early this season. Crews will start the season addressing immediate maintenance needs on Peterson Lake Trail and Amalga Trail.

$9,000 will cover essential materials like gravel and lumber to support that fieldwork

$24,184.44 will be reserved for urgent trail maintenance, like clearing blowdown and making critical repairs, and potential rehiring of former Forest Service staff throughout the field season. The Forest Service’s Reduction in Force (RIF) is still in effect, so we are preparing these funds to support any impacted staff in the months ahead. If you are a federal worker facing unemployment, please reach out.

From all of us at Trail Mix, thank you. Your support not only helped launch our season, but it also reaffirmed that this community and beyond cares deeply about the trails we all rely on. We’ll keep you updated throughout the summer as our crews make progress, and we can’t wait to share the results of your impact.

trail mix has a proven track record

Trail Mix has been caring for Juneau’s trails since 1993. What started as a group of volunteers passionate about improving local trails has grown into a nonprofit that builds, maintains, and advocates for Juneau’s vast trail system. Because Juneau’s trails cross lands managed by local, state, and federal agencies, Trail Mix plays a crucial role in ensuring our trails are cared for, no matter the jurisdiction.

We’ve stepped up before in times of crisis. In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched the COVID Conservation Corps (CCC) to address record unemployment and trail maintenance challenges. That summer, we employed over 50 people, many of whom had lost jobs in the visitor industry, and ran five full trail crews. This program not only put people back to work but also addressed increasing trail maintenance needs due to record-setting rain and heavy trail use. The success of the CCC showed us what’s possible when we invest in our trails and our workforce.

Now, our trails—and the workers who care for them—need us again.

our trails need us now more than ever

WHY THIS MATTERS

🛠️ Trails Don’t Build Themselves

Trails don’t maintain themselves. Every season, trail crews work tirelessly to clear downed trees, repair bridges, combat erosion, and ensure safe passage for hikers, hunters, and families. Without dedicated crews, trails will become overgrown, washed out, and unsafe. Trail Mix has the expertise and community connections to make sure this doesn’t happen—but we need funding to do it.

🌿 Our Trails, Our Way of Life

Juneau’s trails are more than just paths through the woods—they connect our community to nature, support local businesses, and are a vital part of our outdoor economy. Visitors and locals alike depend on well-maintained trails, whether for recreation, commuting, or subsistence harvesting. A strong trail system benefits everyone, and investing in trail crews ensures these resources are available for future generations.

🤝 Building Community

Trail Mix was founded on the idea that trails connect people—to nature and to each other. Now, we need to rally as a community to protect our trails and support the workers who care for them. Every dollar raised will go toward hiring and equipping a dedicated crew to ensure Juneau’s trails remain open for everyone.

Trails are where memories are made—where families take their first hikes, friends explore the backcountry, and generations come together to share Alaska’s beauty. In Juneau, trails are a way of life, with over 80% of residents using trails in some capacity, whether for recreation, exercise, commuting, or subsistence.

When we invest in our trails, we invest in our community. Supporting this crew means ensuring that Juneau’s trails remain safe, accessible, and welcoming for everyone. A strong trail system strengthens our connections—to the land, to each other, and to the place we call home.