HEDC is pleased to announce a free, monthly recreation program starting in November 2024 open to the public that will engage locals and visitors in outdoor activities and build community in the Chilkat Valley.
The events kick off November 9 with a wildlife photography workshop taught by professional photographer Rachel Deehan, who will lead a walking photography tour and give tips on process and format. The event starts at the Haines library.
Sign up for the photography workshop here. Space is limited to six people.
The Chilkat Valley Outdoor Initiative is the result of a grant from Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, which awarded grants to help develop resilient economics based on outdoor recreation. Haines was selected as a winner – along with four other communities in the United states – of the grant in August after HEDC applied for funding for its program.
The project also is in line with goals of the 2024 Recreation Economy for Rural Communities report, which aims to develop recreation tourism as an key piece of Haines’ economy.
Program details are still being finalized, but likely programming will include rafting, sea kayaking, ice fishing, and mushroom foraging all taught by local experts.
Space will be limited depending on the activity, but you can check HEDC’s website and Facebook page for updates and registration links as they are finalized. Participants in the events will be entered into a raffle for $800 worth of outdoor gear at the end of the event series.