ACTIVITIES
SITKA SNAPSHOTS
PHOTO CONTEST
The Outdoors for
Everyone
GET OUT THERE
Sitka Culture of
Health Award
Sitka’s vast natural world extends in every direction.
Shaping and energizing the local way of life, this
region’s bountiful landscape is sure to leave a striking
impression.
IN 2019, SITKA WAS HONORED with the
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Culture
of Health Prize. The prize recognized five
American communities implementing new
ways for everyone to live their healthiest lives
WITH ICONIC, JUTTING MOUNTAINS and towering old-growth
possible, regardless of who they are or how
trees, Sitka is a gateway into the magnificent Tongass National
Forest and the outdoor recreation it provides. This rugged landscape
offers hiking, fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, and more. From
1st place Sean Neilson
2nd place Suzanne Chandler
much money they make. Sitka was chosen
based on a variety of health-creating initiatives
and community values that encourage ENTER OUR ANNUAL VISIT SITKA
individual dignity. Infused throughout the PHOTO CONTEST. Share your favorite
community are the traditions and leadership Sitka photos with us for a chance to win
of the Tlingit, the people indigenous to Sitka, cash prizes and have your photo featured at
Sitka has miles and miles of hiking trails maintained by Sitka Trail including culturally responsive education in visitsitka.org and in the Visit Sitka Official
Works, so wear a pair of comfortable shoes and find the path schools and holiday reclamation. Visitors’ Guide. Our photo contest is open
experienced mountaineering routes to wide, maintained trails,
there’s something for everyone, regardless of age or ability, to get
outside and enjoy nature.
best for you. For people who need level, paved surfaces, the wide
to all ages, from amateur to professional,
Other projects include the annual Sitka Health
trails that meander through the Sitka National Historical Park
Alaska resident and first-time visitor.
Summit Planning Day–the city’s investment
downtown and the Starrigavan Estuary Boardwalk and Trail at
We’d love to see the photo memories you
in the next generation of leaders by fostering
the north end of town are perfect. Be sure to check out the hiking
brought home from our beautiful island. For
entrepreneurship and establishing a youth-led
map on page 63.
submission information, visit visitsitka.org/
teen center–and Sitka’s deep connection to the
Do you have little ones with you? Walk along the downtown Sea environment and its protection by running the
Walk to the Sitka Community Playground. This inclusive/ADA entire city on renewable, hydroelectric energy.
compliant, interactive facility is great fun for kids and adults alike. Across Sitka, individuals and organizations
For more of a challenge, rent a bike at Yellow Jersey Cycle Shop work with passion and compassion to make
and pedal the Cross Trail or bike the five miles to Silver Bay at the their community a special place to live, work,
south end of the road. and play.
photo-contest.
4th place Bridgette Klackring
3rd place Zaide Allen
Do you want to relax and soak in the sights and sounds of
nature? Sitka offers many opportunities to pause and enjoy your
surroundings. You will find spots along the roads and trails where
benches appear in the perfect places to rest, wheelchair-friendly
picnic tables and fire pits welcome guests, and beaches and forest
paths offer opportunities to explore and look for natural treasures.
Sitka’s landscape offers it all. Come see for yourself!
Copyright 2019 Brian Adams, Photos courtesy of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
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