TRAILS DAY

What a Trails Day weekend! THANK YOU to the 48 volunteers who dedicated more than 450 hours to caring for Kachemak Bay State Parks over the June 5-7th weekend. From moving thousands of pounds of gravel, clearing trails and campsites, cleaning cabins and outhouses, repairing park infrastructure, collecting marine debris, and documenting trail conditions, volunteers made a tremendous impact.

Volunteer work included:
• China Poot Lake Cabin & Moose Valley Cabin maintenance, trail marking, trail reconnaissance, and trail work
• South Grace Ridge trail clearing, trailhead/outhouse maintenance, and trail reconnaissance near Sea Star Cabin
• Sadie Knob trail reconnaissance and maintenance
• Alpine Ridge trail reconnaissance and route assessment
• Grewingk trail and tram assessment
• Blue Ice Trail, Foehn Ridge & Emerald Lake trail reconnaissance
• Humpy Creek & Portlock trail reconnaissance
• Glacier Spit beach cleanup
• Halibut Cove Lagoon water system and solar system repairs
• Eveline State Recreation Site accessible trail improvements
• HarborFest outreach booth and community engagement

This year's Trails Day weekend would not have been possible without the incredible support of the businesses and individuals who donated their transportation services to help move volunteers, tools, and supplies to projects throughout the park.

• Beluga Air
• Mako's Water Taxi
• Alan's Water Taxi
• Ashore Water Taxi
• ATB Water Taxi
• Coldwater Alaska
• Bay Excursions
• Andy Haas

Whether you spent the weekend on a trail, a beach, at a cabin, or sharing stories at HarborFest, thank you for helping keep Kachemak Bay State Parks beautiful, accessible, and welcoming for everyone.

TRAIL CONDITIONS REPORT

A trail conditions report is now available on the Friends of Kachemak Bay State Parks website. This report is assembled from information provided by volunteers, water taxis, trail users, and Parks staff. Updates and information are welcome via kbsptrails@gmail.com; please always include what trail, what date, and GPS coordinates for any location specific information like a downed tree.

OUR EXTRAORDINARY VOLUNTEERS

Friends of Kachemak Bay State Parks would like to recognize and sincerely thank two of our extraordinary volunteers: Kathy Sarns and Robert Archibald.

Through her passion for the Parks, Kathy has supported improvements in the Parks, established the annual Kachemak Bay Mountain Classic trail race series, reclaimed jungle-y overgrown trails, and empowered new volunteers within the organization. Kathy Sarns has logged countless volunteer hours, provided outstanding leadership as President, and always brings whimsy and fun into the work she does. As Kathy steps down from her leadership role to spend less time on emails and more time in the woods, we extend our deepest gratitude for all Kathy has contributed over the years past… and the years to come! The presidential baton has been passed to Mako Haggerty, with full support from the rest of the Board.

FKBSP Board member Robert Archibald has been recognized with an honorary citation from the Alaska State legislature presented by Senator Gary Stevens at a recent City Council Meeting in recognition of all he has done — and continues to do — for our community and the broader region. He continues to serve as Vice Chair on the Homer Parks and Recreation Commission, is President of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens’ Advisory Council, Co-Chair of the steering committee that developed the 125-mile Kachemak Bay Water Trail and the Chair of the  Kachemak Bay State Parks Citizens’ Advisory Board. Please take a moment to congratulate Robert. His dedication, service, and contributions to our community over the past 40 years are truly above and beyond and impossible to measure.

Thank you Kathy and Robert!

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KIDS ACROSS THE BAY GRANT

Friends of Kachemak Bay State Parks is grateful to receive a $1,000 grant from the Homer Foundation in support of the Kids Across the Bay program. This donor-advised contribution was made through the KLEPS Fund, managed by the Homer Foundation. Kids Across the Bay provides water taxi transportation for lower-income families to access and explore Kachemak Bay State Park, helping bridge the gap in accessibility so more members of our community can experience the Parks.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND CALENDAR

• June 13 - Waves to Words Fun Run - Booth

• July 11 - Kachemak Bay Mountain Classic - Portlock Half Marathon

• July 11 - Concert on the Lawn - Booth

• TBD - Wood Bundling Party

• September 26 - National Public Lands Day

• October 10 - Rotary Health Fair - Booth

See the Friends of Kachemak Bay State Parks calendar for the latest on events organized by or related to Friends of Kachemak Bay State Parks. You can also add the calendar to receive event information directly to your app. www.friendsofkachemakbay.org/calendar

HALIBUT COVE LAGOON SPRING OPENING

Huge thanks to the dedicated volunteers who kicked off the season at the Halibut Cove Lagoon Work Party during a chilly April weekend. From hauling supplies and firewood to cleaning cabins, repairing railings, improving trails, and even replacing an outhouse, this dedicated crew made major progress getting the facilities ready for summer. Their work keeps these special places safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone. Thanks also to Alaska State Parks, Jim Herbert, and Mako's Water Taxi for transportation!

EASTLAND TRAILS UPDATE

With warmer weather finally arriving, trail construction is expected to begin within the next two weeks. For public safety, the trails will be closed while construction is underway. If favorable weather conditions continue, the Homer Cycling Club anticipates opening Phase 1 of the Eastland Trails east of the creek by August.

This year’s Kachemak Bay Mountain Classic will be held on July 11th with a brand new route: the Portlock Half Marathon! This self-supported rugged trail race includes creek wading, a hand tram crossing high above Grewingk Creek, and over 2400 feet of elevation gain. This race is for experienced runners and hikers only. Participants must carry all required gear, food, water, and safety equipment, and should be prepared for remote Alaska conditions.

Registration is full but you can join the waitlist here. A lot of support will be needed on the race day and for the trail work leading up to the race. Race day volunteer information will be shared soon. Get in touch with organizers at kachemakbaymountainclassic@gmail.com.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS

Alaska State Parks requires a new volunteer form and waiver to be signed each year, but we are making it really easy—now collecting all volunteer forms electronically.

Signed volunteer forms are required for anyone volunteering for Friends including for events, fundraisers, trail work, etc. Note: Volunteers must be 16 years or older, even if accompanied by a parent/guardian. Please check your inbox for an email from JotForm or get in touch with us if you are not sure if you’ve already submitted your form for 2026.

NUKA ISLAND: ACQUISITION COMPLETE

Alaska State Parks and The Conservation Fund have protected the final remaining private land on Nuka Island, adding 24 acres known as Herring Pete’s Cove to the protected areas connected to Kachemak Bay State Park. The remote coastal property provides critical habitat for salmon, seabirds, marine mammals, bears, and mountain goats, while also serving as an important safe harbor and recreation corridor for boaters traveling between Homer and Seward. With this latest acquisition, a total of 52 acres have been protected over the past three years to help preserve public access, wildlife habitat, and Alaska’s wild coastal landscapes.

Read more about Herring Pete, “the dirtiest man” according to his own wife in this article from the Alaska Beacon.

DID YOU KNOW? Firewood bundles are available for purchase at the top of Ramp 2 and at the Halibut Cove Lagoon Cabins with all proceeds going to Friends of Kachemak Bay State Parks. Travel lighter, keep yourself warm and cozy, and support FKBSP!

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2026 SUMMER FKBSP NEWSLETTER