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As the snow settles on Anchorage’s parks and trails, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the transformative work accomplished by the Youth Employment in Parks (YEP) program in 2024. YEP is a 10-week summer job program that hires around 25 Anchorage teens to complete park and trail improvement projects — and the program has been going for 18 years. This summer, Anchorage teens worked hard to improve our city’s green spaces, restoring habitats, building trails and contributing to projects that will leave a lasting impact on the community.
Building a better Anchorage, one shovel at a time
YEP participants tackled an impressive variety of projects this summer, demonstrating resilience, teamwork and innovation. At Cuddy Park, the YEP crews transformed the space through a combination of streambank restoration, drainage improvements and the creation of a rain garden designed to enhance the beauty of the park and prevent soil erosion. This project also involved planting a wide array of native plants, restoring the park’s natural landscape and stabilizing sensitive areas.
At Ship Creek and Hillstrand Pond, YEP teams focused on streambank restoration, reinforcing fragile ecosystems with hundreds of trees, shrubs and grasses. These efforts are already benefiting local wildlife while protecting Anchorage’s waterways. Elsewhere, at Sunset Park in the Government Hill neighborhood, YEP crews worked on trails, adding gravel, stabilizing switchbacks and installing a new boardwalk to improve access for residents and visitors alike.
Altogether, YEP participants planted over 8,000 trees, shrubs, and willow stakes across the city, including at Russian Jack, Valley of the Moon, and Eastchester parks. Their hard work is helping Anchorage’s urban parks thrive, creating healthier, greener spaces for the entire community.
Leading and learning
Beyond the physical work, YEP prioritizes education and recreation to ensure participants gain valuable life skills and community engagement experience. One day each week is set aside for adventures like hiking in Arctic Valley, biking the Ship Creek Trail or kayaking on Eklutna Lake. Participants explored Alaska’s history and culture through visits to the Anchorage Museum, the Alaska Native Heritage Center and the Musk Ox Farm, where they also volunteered.
These experiences are paired with lessons in environmental stewardship, teamwork and safety. From setting up events like the Mayor’s Marathon to gaining firsthand knowledge about glacial ecosystems on the Matanuska Glacier, participants developed a deeper connection to the outdoors and an appreciation for Anchorage’s rich natural environment.
Why YEP matters
The impact of YEP extends far beyond summer. Programs like this empower young people to take ownership of their community while building confidence, leadership and job skills. YEP also demonstrates how investing in youth creates ripple effects, from greener spaces to healthier ecosystems and stronger communities.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the program is the personal growth teens experience. By working on meaningful projects, they learn the value of perseverance, teamwork, and giving back to their community — skills that will benefit them long after the season ends.
As we look to 2025, I encourage Anchorage teens to apply for this life-changing program. Whether you’re passionate about the environment, seeking job experience or simply looking for a way to make friends while making a difference, YEP has something for everyone. Parents, educators and community leaders, spread the word. This program is not just about parks; it’s about growing the next generation of leaders.
Applications for YEP’s 2025 season open soon. Let’s keep the momentum going and ensure another incredible summer of growth, connection and impact. Together, we can continue building a brighter, healthier and more vibrant Anchorage.
Ben Ervin is the trails program manager of Alaska Trails — more information and volunteer events are available at alaska-trails.org. More information about YEP can be found at anchorageparkfoundation.org/youth-employment-parks.
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