Author: The Tundra Drums Staff

Community members are invited to celebrate one of Alaska’s most iconic winter traditions as events begin for the Yukon Quest Alaska Races. Festivities kick off with Meet the Mushers on Thursday, February 5, offering the public a chance to meet the competitors and their sled dog teams ahead of race day. The official start of the races will follow on Saturday, February 7, at 11:00 a.m., when teams take off on their journey in front of spectators. Both events are free and open to the public, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to support mushers, learn more about the race,…

Alaskans interested in traditional skills and hands-on learning are invited to attend a Fur Sewing Handbands workshop this March at the William Jack Hernandez Sport Fish Hatchery. The two-day workshop is part of the Becoming an Outdoors Woman Alaska program and will teach participants the basics of sewing fur handbands, a skill rooted in Alaska’s outdoor and cultural traditions. The sessions are scheduled for: Online registration opens February 9 at 12:00 p.m. for the Friday session and February 17 at 9:00 a.m. for the Saturday session. The cost to attend is $100, which includes instruction, equipment use, and refreshments. Organizers…

Alaska employers are being reminded to submit their annual injury and illness data to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) using the agency’s Injury Tracking Application (ITA). The submission window runs from January 2 through March 2, 2026, and applies to establishments that meet OSHA’s size and industry requirements. The data helps OSHA track workplace safety trends and target prevention efforts nationwide. Employers can find guidance and submit required information at osha.gov/injuryreporting. For businesses that need assistance, AKOSH Consultation & Training is offering free and confidential support. Employers can contact AKOSH at (907) 269-4955 for help understanding requirements, preparing…

February is National Senior Independence Month, and AARP is marking the occasion by offering a series of free online programs designed to support safety, well-being, and independence for older adults across Alaska. The virtual events run throughout February and cover topics ranging from daily wellness and road safety to fall prevention and home fire safety. Sessions are short, accessible, and open to the public. You do not need to be an AARP member to attend. The February schedule includes: The programs are hosted by AARP in partnership with the Alaska Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC). Organizers say the goal…

Residents are invited to review and comment on proposed upgrades to Minnie Street during a public open house hosted by the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF). The open house will focus on planned improvements along Minnie Street between Illinois Street and the Noyes Slough bridge. Proposed changes include installing new ADA-accessible sidewalks on both sides of the roadway, relocating overhead utilities underground, enhancing drainage and stormwater treatment, and resurfacing the street with new pavement, striping, and signage to improve safety and travel conditions. The event is scheduled for February 3, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m., at…

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is reminding drivers to stay alert for moose on Alaska roadways, warning that the state has one of the highest rates of moose-vehicle collisions per mile driven anywhere in the world. Wildlife officials say moose can suddenly enter traffic without warning, creating dangerous conditions for motorists and often resulting in fatal outcomes for both people and animals. Low light, winter conditions, and roadside vegetation can make spotting moose especially difficult. ADF&G is encouraging drivers to take a simple step when they see wildlife near or on the road: flash hazard lights to alert…

Nominations are now open for the Conservation Achievement Awards, offering Alaskans an opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact on conservation across the state. The awards are presented by the Alaska Conservation Foundation and honor efforts that protect Alaska’s lands, waters, wildlife, and communities. Organizers say the nomination process is designed to highlight leadership, innovation, and long-term commitment to conservation values. Community members are encouraged to submit nominations for people or groups whose work has advanced environmental stewardship, wildlife protection, or sustainable practices in Alaska. Past honorees have included conservation leaders, community advocates, and organizations whose efforts…

Anglers targeting king salmon at the Eklutna Tailrace may see increased fishing activity in the coming seasons following a large smolt release by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). According to ADF&G Sport Fishing staff for Southcentral Alaska, approximately 400,000 king salmon smolt have been released at the Eklutna Tailrace. The annual release is part of the state’s fisheries enhancement efforts aimed at supporting future king salmon returns and maintaining recreational fishing opportunities in the area. The Eklutna Tailrace, located downstream of the Eklutna Hydroelectric Project, is a well-known fishing spot for local anglers, particularly during king salmon…

Alaskans interested in developing leadership skills and serving their communities have more time to apply for Rise & Represent Alaska, as organizers have extended the application deadline to February 8. Applications are now open for Cohort 2 of the in-person leadership development program, which is designed for Alaskans preparing to take on community, civic, or advocacy roles. The program will run from March 19 through June 4, 2026, meeting on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m. in Anchorage. The cohort is limited to 20 participants, offering a small-group learning environment focused on practical leadership skills, community engagement, and representation. Organizers…

Alaskans are invited to learn more about one of the state’s most elusive alpine mammals during an upcoming virtual presentation hosted by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. As part of its Winter Wildlife Series, ADF&G will host a free online lecture titled “Collared Pikas: Alaska’s Alpine Rock Hoppers” on February 12, 2026. The presentation will be led by wildlife biologist Arin Underwood, who will share research on Alaska’s collared pikas and the unique behaviors that help them survive harsh winter conditions. Collared pikas are small alpine mammals known for collecting and storing vegetation, often described as “flower bouquets,”…

Motorists traveling the Seward Highway should prepare for significant delays on Friday, January 30, 2026, as avalanche hazard reduction work is scheduled along a busy stretch of the roadway. The Avalanche Team will conduct controlled mitigation between milepost 90, north of Girdwood, and milepost 99, south of Bird, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Drivers can expect intermittent delays of 45 to 60 minutes during this window. Officials warn delays could be longer if avalanche debris reaches the roadway and requires removal before traffic can resume safely. Crews will manage traffic as conditions allow. Travelers are encouraged to plan ahead,…

Critical thinking exercises for students are structured tasks that train students to explain, evaluate, and justify their thinking, rather than simply produce correct answers. Their purpose is not to make students smarter, but to make their reasoning clearer, slower, and more accurate. In classrooms, the main gap is rarely a lack of knowledge. It is a lack of reasoning practice. Students often know what to answer but struggle to explain why. Critical thinking exercises address this gap directly by turning thinking itself into a skill that can be practiced. What “Critical Thinking” Looks Like in Student Learning In student contexts,…