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January 27, 2025 will mark 100 years since the night when “Wild Bill” Shannon waited at the train station in Nenana for a package that contained life-saving serum for the residents of Nome. As the first musher in a relay to safely get the serum to Nome, he wrapped the serum in fur, strapped it …
Jonathan Hayes is a marine veteran, minister, middle school teacher, and a complete dog-man. Living with his family in Maine, he has been working to preserve the line of Seppala Siberian huskies that have had ties to the area ever since Leonard Seppala, himself, brought Togo to Maine. Seppala was a renowned dog musher …
Thank you to all of the 2025 Trail Mail participants! It is great to see so many classrooms participate year after year as well as all of the new classrooms that get a spot. You will be notified when your project arrives at Iditarod Headquarters in Alaska. Projects due January 31. There are no more …
The temperatures continue to drop, but the world of Iditarod is really heating up! HAVE YOU HEARD __ Mushers don’t have to start the race with all of the supplies they will need for the duration of the race. Each musher is allowed up to three 50lb drop bags per checkpoint. A drop bag can …
Iditarod Education Winter Conference Stay at the Lakefront Hotel – The “hub” of the race Feb. 25 – Feb. 28, 2025 in Anchorage, Alaska Whether you are a “veteran” or “rookie” Iditarod educator, or just want to include an adventure learning project in your classroom, this conference will be one to remember. Walk away with …
Happy New Year! This year will bring a fun and exciting race, as well as bring history to life as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Serum Run. Mushers are busy preparing for the Iditarod in many ways, including the development of their race plan. Each musher will create a plan that includes …
This year’s theme, “Under the Burled Arch in Nome” brought us many fabulous Trail Mail Art Contest entries. Thanks to everyone who participated. Teagan R., age 12, of Omaha, Nebraska has been selected as the artist for the 2025 Trail Mail envelopes. Teagan’s design was selected by Jon and Jona Van Zyle to be printed …
HAVE YOU HEARD __ Did you know that dog sleds are one of the oldest forms of transportation? It is thought that dog sleds date back to around 1000 AD, when indigenous Arctic peoples would use dog sleds for basic transportation and hunting. The first dog sleds did not have runners and were quite simple …
December is here! The magic of the holidays can be delightful as an educator and overwhelming at the same time. Hopefully the lesson for this month will help alleviate some stress or serve as a time filler when you need a much deserved break. Sleds vs. Sleighs is a great lesson for almost any age …
I’d like to introduce H.A. Milton (in the photo above), commonly known as Milton the Moose to students at my school. He tagged along on my journey to Alaska last winter and will be by my side on my next trip to Alaska. He is thankful for snow, too, and we have finally witnessed the …