Takshanuk Watershed Council’s SnowSchool program wrapped up last week. 

Two hundred six preschool through eighth-grade and homeschool students from Haines and Klukwan participated in the program this year. 

SnowSchool starts in January with a classroom lesson that focuses on winter ecology, and watershed education. In February, students in preschool through third-grade go snowshoeing around the school grounds, and students in fourth- through eighth-grade participate in full-day field trips at 25 Mile. 

TWC is grateful to Chilkat Valley Community Foundation for providing the grant funding to make SnowSchool possible this year. 

Chilkoot Indian Association provided field trip support, Haines Avalanche Center provided winter recreation and beacon practice drills before every skiing field trip, Southeast Alaska Independent Living supplied adaptive equipment to ensure that every student could participate, and Jim Stanford groomed 25 Mile before every field trip. 

It really takes a community to make this program happen. TWC is grateful to everyone who helped make SnowSchool 2026 a success.

Tracy Wirak-Cassidy