As the winter chill settles over Anchorage’s parks and trails, it’s a moment to pause and reflect on the remarkable work achieved by the Youth Employment in Parks (YEP) program. This 10-week summer job initiative has been running for 18 years and hires around 25 Anchorage teens each season to enhance our city’s green spaces. This summer, these young workers have been tirelessly working to improve our urban areas, restoring habitats and leaving a lasting mark on the community.

Transforming Anchorage Parks with Youth Energy

Building a Better Anchorage, One Shovel at a Time

YEP participants this summer have taken on an extensive range of projects, showcasing their resilience, teamwork, and innovation. At Cuddy Park, through a combination of streambank restoration, improved drainage, and the creation of a rain garden, the space has been transformed. Native plants have been planted, restoring the park’s natural landscape and stabilizing sensitive areas. This not only enhances the park’s beauty but also prevents soil erosion.At Ship Creek and Hillstrand Pond, YEP teams have focused on streambank restoration. By reinforcing fragile ecosystems with hundreds of trees, shrubs, and grasses, they are already benefiting local wildlife and protecting Anchorage’s waterways. In Sunset Park in the Government Hill neighborhood, YEP crews have been working on trails. They have added gravel, stabilized switchbacks, and installed a new boardwalk to improve access for residents and visitors.Altogether, YEP participants have 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 making Anchorage’s urban parks thrive, creating healthier and greener spaces for the entire community.

Leading and Learning

Beyond the physical work, YEP emphasizes education and recreation. Each week, participants go on adventures such as hiking in Arctic Valley, biking the Ship Creek Trail, or kayaking on Eklutna Lake. They explore Alaska’s history and culture by visiting the Anchorage Museum, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and the Musk Ox Farm, where they also volunteer.These experiences are combined with lessons in environmental stewardship, teamwork, and safety. From organizing events like the Mayor’s Marathon to gaining firsthand knowledge about glacial ecosystems on the Matanuska Glacier, participants develop a deeper connection to the outdoors and a greater appreciation for Anchorage’s natural environment.

Why YEP Matters

The impact of YEP goes beyond the summer. This program empowers young people to take ownership of their community while building confidence, leadership, and job skills. It shows how investing in youth creates positive ripple effects, from greener spaces to healthier ecosystems and stronger communities.One of the most inspiring aspects is the personal growth teens experience. By working on meaningful projects, they learn the value of perseverance, teamwork, and giving back. These skills 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 looking to make friends while making a difference, YEP has something for everyone. Parents, educators, and community leaders, spread the word. This program is about more than just parks; it’s about growing the next generation of leaders.Applications for YEP’s 2025 season will open soon. Let’s continue the momentum and ensure another amazing summer of growth, connection, and impact. Together, we can keep 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.The views expressed here are the writer’s and are not necessarily endorsed by the Anchorage Daily News. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary(at)adn.com. Send submissions shorter than 200 words to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Read our full guidelines for letters and commentaries here.