Friday Focus: Great teamwork means great trails and walkways
April 2, 2021
— by Julie Queen, vice chancellor for administrative services
Considering the year we have had, I am not at all surprised to see a severe weather warning predicting heavy snow this weekend, just when we are looking forward to spring. Even with the heavy snowfall, I have received several compliments in the last few weeks that I wanted to pass along, not only to our team in Facilities Services, but specifically to Darrin “Bear” Edson and the snow removal and grounds crew for keeping sidewalks and roadways clear. UAF streets and walkways are often clear before most other areas in town, making Troth Yeddha’ a favorite place to take a walk outside with a friend or family member in times when we need it most.
In addition, the Troth Yeddha’ North Campus consists of approximately 1,100 acres of largely forested land on the north and northwest side of campus. The area provides valuable research, education, and recreation opportunities for UAF faculty, staff, and students, visiting educators and scientists, and community members. Several have asked whether they can support trail maintenance on the 26 miles of trails in north campus by giving to UAF. In fact, you can! Tomorrow, April 3, you can do the Spring Duathlon with skiing and fat biking. Proceeds from this event go to the UAF Trails Club.
Please also consider supporting trail maintenance through our UAF fund to support grooming, labor, signage and equipment maintenance. Our trails are well-maintained by trails manager Jason Garron, so they can be enjoyed by skiers of all levels. You can also walk or snowshoe on the trails marked for those activities, but not on groomed ski trails. Please avoid walking on ski trails to keep them in great shape. This has been a snowy year, so that is no easy task. Thank you to Bear, Jason and your very busy teams.
Speaking of snow and ice — slip, trip and fall injuries tend to be UAF’s most frequently reported accidents. To help prevent these injuries, and the associated insurance costs, Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management offers free ice cleats to all employees. These traction devices slip over existing footwear and are very effective at helping prevent falls on ice and snow. Several sizes are available to accommodate most shoes or boots.
Fairbanks-area employees can contact the EHSRM office at 474-5413, or stop by 825 Alumni Drive to pick up a free pair. Community campuses can order a small number of ice cleats for their employees directly from EHSRM. For a larger amount, you may order supplies directly and be reimbursed through the Loss Prevention Program.
Spring is on its way, so please stay safe as you enjoy the last few weeks of winter!
Friday Focus is a column written by a different member of UAF’s leadership team every week. On occasion, a guest writer is invited to contribute a column.