Trail Mix, the nonprofit trail stewardship organization based in Juneau, celebrated the long-awaited reconnection of the historic Treadwell Ditch Trail over the weekend.
The 13.3-mile trail now stretches continuously from Eaglecrest to South Douglas, featuring 65 bridges and 25 culverts.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Friday from noon to 1 p.m. at the Blueberry Hills Dan Moller Trail parking lot, featuring remarks from agency partners and Trail Mix staff.
A larger public celebration happened Saturday at Savikko Park’s log shelter, with exhibits discussing the trail’s history and the work that led to its restoration.
“Last year, we installed the final bridge as part of this grant that we have through Alaska Department and fish and game, and it reconnected the Treadwell ditch for the first time in over 100 years.” said Trail Mix’s executive director Meghan Tabacek “it’s, it’s really a huge milestone, and the community loves the ditch. It feels really good to build a trail that we know people in Juneau love”
The Treadwell Ditch Trail was originally used to divert water for mining operations.
Trail Mix manages over 250 miles of trail in the region, with only three crews to maintain them.
“One of the biggest challenges, is logistics.” Said Tabacek “You know, you can’t drive a truck with all the pieces you need onto a trail.”
Volunteers play a crucial role in supporting Trail Mix’s mission. The organization has hosted near-weekly volunteer events throughout the summer and recently surpassed 1,200 volunteer hours. Their goal is 2,000 hours by season’s end.
“We are just so blown away with our volunteers, it’s just been really, really incredible watching people in Juneau show up.” Tabacek said.