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. The October meeting starts earlier as it is a potluck where members bring 5-6 slides of their summer adventures to share. See our recent news for more information.
There are numerous volunteer opportunities including leading public hikes, invasive plants control, plantings and cooperative work with other local groups. Local events are listed on the Upcoming Events page.
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 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.
- Displays at local malls during “Celebrating Wildflowers” periods.
- Publication of Borealis, our bi-monthly newsletter for members, October through May.
- Compilation of Alaskan flora references in a bibliography.
- Public Land Sources for Native Plant Materials in the Southcentral Alaska Region for Personal Landscaping Use click here to download pdf.
- This website which is an ongoing project for which volunteers are welcome.
Recent News
The next ANPS meeting will be Monday, Nov 4, 7PM, at the Campbell Creek Science Center. Glenn Brown will give a brief overview of Burnet in Alaska and Timm Nawrocki will report on Aleutian cress, a small fairly rare member of the mustard family. Our feature presentation from Ginger Hudson will be, “Native Plants in Anchorage Gardens.” Below are some photos associated with these topics. The meeting is open to the public, no admission or parking fees. Thanks to the Campbell Creek Science Center for use of their facility!
Our first meeting this fall will be a potluck and photo sharing of summer outings. The meeting is open to the public and anyone is welcome to bring a jump drive with up to 10 favorite photos. It will be at the Campbell Creek Science Center on Monday, October 7, at 6:30pm.
“Alaska's Berries and Their Changing Seasons” is the title of a program coming soon at Campbell Creek Science Center. Below are photos of some local berries, and program details.
UAF Arctic Research Center researcher Dr. Katie Spellman discusses the ongoing research on berries by University of Alaska Fairbanks and the U.S. Geological Survey that spans the life cycle of the berry plants, and illustrates how Winterberry Citizen science helps improve our knowledge of how berries are changing in the far North. The program begins at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday October 26, 2019 at the BLM Campbell Creek Science Center (5600 Science Center Drive). The program is free and open to the public. For more information, please call 267-1247. Thanks...
The next local ANPS hike will be Saturday, July 20 on the Turnagain Arm Trail. Below are details and a few recent photos from the area.
Time & Location: 9:00 am meet at Carrs Huffman to plan carpooling (South side of the parking lot near Huffman Street). Bring a lunch.
Description: The Turnagain Arm Trail from McHugh Creek to Rainbow is a very scenic route close to Anchorage with a variety of habitats, through woodlands, across streams, and some sunny rocky places. Expect cow parsnip, prickly rose, and devil’s club along the way, dress accordingly and consider bringing bear spray (Beth will have one for the group).
Contact: Beth Norris ejnorris@sbcglobal.net a couple days in...
