This event is made possible by the Mat-Su Trails and Park Foundation, the valley’s local trails and parks resource. Learn more about the work they do here.

When: Sunday, December 22.

Where: We’ll meet at Reflections Lake at 2PM.

Is registration required? Yes. This is a free event, but we ask that you register in advance to maintain our small group size.

About the walk: While lush leaves can offer helpful clues for tree identification during summer, can you spot a birch tree from an aspen when the branches are bare? Join naturalist Ute Olsson on an educational walkabout, learning about the boreal forest along the way.

We’ll walk about 1.5 miles total at a leisurely pace. Following our loop we will enjoy hot chocolate and tea at the trailhead pavilion.

About Ute: Ute Riesenkönig Olsson received a Master of Forestry from Duke University and a Master of Science in Ecological Studies from Colorado State University. She taught natural history to all ages at the Eagle River Nature Center for two decades before her retirement. Ute has a special interest in ethnobotany, how humans have traditionally used plants in Alaska. You can follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/borealkraut/

About the Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation (MSTPF): Since 2014, your local trails and parks resource -the MSTPF- has awarded over $2.3 million in grants to local organizations. These grants have facilitated trail-building, trails and parks maintenance and related infrastructure investments in the Mat-Su Borough. Both motorized and non-motorized trail users have benefitted from MSTPF investments.

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What is the winter sampler series? The Mat-Su Trails and Parks Foundation is sponsoring four winter sampler events this winter. Each event is designed to highlight a different trail, user group or winter recreational activity. These free, small group events will connect you to outdoor resources in our area. Want to collaborate with us or learn more about future events? Email us at info@revelak.com.