A non-profit organization to promote the study and conservation of Alaska native plants.
The Alaska Native Plant Society (AKNPS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to studying and conserving Alaska native plants. General membership meetings are open to the public and are held on the first Monday of every month from October through May. Various guest speakers give presentations on topics related to native plants and AKNPS members give informative slide shows, plant family, and mini- botany talks. During our October meeting, members share photos from their summer adventures. See our Recent News to learn about recent activities.
There are numerous volunteer opportunities including leading public hikes, invasive plants control, plantings and cooperative work with other local groups. Events are listed on the Upcoming Events page. If you are in Interior Alaska, please also consider joining the Interior Chapter-Alaska Native Plant Society, which is loosely affiliated with our organization and also hosts educational programs and field trips.
General Information
The Alaska Native Plant Society was formed in 1982 by a small group of enthusiastic amateur and professional botanists for the purpose of educating Alaskans about their native flora and the growing need for its protection. We accomplish this through:
- Monthly meetings, held on the first Monday of each month, October through May (with occasional exceptions due to holidays), at 7 PM via Zoom and/or in person at the Campbell Creek Science Center in Anchorage. All interested persons are welcome.
- Field Trips, ranging from half day local outings to multi-day excursions throughout Alaska. Some prior trips have been to Kodiak, Seldovia, Chitina / Kennicott, and Denali National Park.
- Educational booths at community events and coordinating outreach including Alaska Native Plant Month.
- Publication of Borealis, our bi-monthly newsletter for members, October through May.
- Compilation of Alaskan flora references in a bibliography.
- Recommended publications for Alaskans interested in collecting seed and propagating native plants.
- This website which is an ongoing project for which volunteers are welcome.
Recent News
To learn more, please see https://dnr.alaska.gov/commis/pic/releases/8.29.2025%20Quarantine%20on%20Mayday%20and%20Chokecherry%20Trees.pdf
From the event description:
Join Alaska Native Plant Society volunteers for a scenic 1-mile walk along the Williwaw Nature Trail in Chugach National Forest. This easy-going trail showcases a beautiful mix of boreal and coastal forest plants - all nestled in this stunning glacial river valley. The trail is a highly accessible flat, gravel surface. Don’t forget to bring a snack/lunch and water.
+ Meeting Location: Trail of Blue Ice Ponds Trailhead - Williwaw Ponds Rd. near Portage
+ Duration: 2 hours
From the event description:
Join Alaska Native Plant Society volunteers for a scenic 1-mile walk along the Williwaw Nature Trail in Chugach National Forest. This easy-going trail showcases a beautiful mix of boreal and coastal forest plants - all nestled in this stunning glacial river valley. The trail is a highly accessible flat, gravel surface. Don’t forget to bring a snack/lunch and water.
+ Meeting Location: Trail of Blue Ice Ponds Trailhead - Williwaw Ponds Rd. near Portage
+ Duration: 2 hours
