Upcoming Events

Join Elizabeth Bluemink for a scenic 1-mile walk along the Williwaw Nature Trail in Chugach National Forest. This trail showcases a beautiful mix of boreal and coastal forest plants nestled in a stunning glacial river valley. The trail is a highly accessible flat, gravel surface. This event is open to the public and AKNPS members. Don’t forget to bring a snack/lunch and water.
RSVP: Contact Elizabeth Bluemink, ebluemink@aknps.org

A hike especially for families with kids, expect 3-4 hours, 3 miles round trip roundtrip to Blueberry Hill
RSVP: It is required to contact trip leader Jeanne Osnas (jldosnas@gmail.com) to reserve a spot. 

Join Beth Baker for a scenic 1-mile walk along the Williwaw Nature Trail in Chugach National Forest. This trail showcases a beautiful mix of boreal and coastal forest plants nestled in a stunning glacial river valley. The trail is a highly accessible flat, gravel surface. This event is open to the public and AKNPS members. Don’t forget to bring a snack/lunch and water.
RSVP: Contact Beth Baker, daisymae@mtaonline.net

Join Barb Johnson on a nature journaling field trip that will focus on the 2026 Native Plant of the Year, Tall cottongrass (𝘌𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘱𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘶𝘮 𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘪𝘶𝘮). Bring a watercolor journal or sketchbook, pencil and sharpener or mechanical pencil, fine tip black ink pen, eraser, watercolor brushes 2-3 sizes, watercolor set or watercolor pencils, small container for water, paper towel or Kleenex. Optional extras: Hand lens, binoculars, camera. Bring water, mosquito repellant, snacks, and warm garments. A small, lightweight insulated pad to sit on can be helpful too, but isn’t necessary. Also, let Barb know in advance if you need any supplies listed because she can bring items for you to use. 

RSVP Required: Text your name and contact info to Barb Johnson (907-229-6891) if you’d like to attend or get more information about the trip, which will be limited to 12 participants.

Visiting grass expert Dr. Travis Columbus has graciously agreed to provide an in-person lecture to help with grass ID. Attendance is free and open to the public.
 
Columbus is a Claremont Graduate University botany professor and research scientist at the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden in California who researches the evolutionary biology and taxonomy of grasses. 

This talk will not be live streamed but it will be recorded for later sharing.

Expect 6+ hours; total distance to the tarn is about 10 miles with 2,800 feet of ascent. The trail follows Falls Creek up a valley with steep sides and then opens to a broad alpine area and then a small lake. It is a moderately difficult hike, and portions of the trail will be muddy and brushy. Bring a lunch and warm garments as weather can change quickly above tree line.
RSVP Required: Contact Glenn Brown (gbrown@aknps.org) a few days before to confirm space and get an update about possible changes to the plan.