OPINION: Building parks and the future: the impact of the YEP

Updated: 48 minutes ago Posted by: 48 minutes ago

As the snow melts in Anchorage’s parks and trails, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the transformative work done by the Youth Employment in Parks (YEP) program in 2024. YEP is a 10-week summer employment program that hires about 25 Anchorage teenagers to complete park and trail improvement projects — and the program has been running for 18 years. This summer, Anchorage teenagers worked hard to improve our city’s green spaces, restore habitat, build trails, and contribute to projects that will have a lasting impact on the community.

Building a better Anchorage, one shovelful at a time

YEP participants have taken on an impressive variety of projects this summer, demonstrating resilience, teamwork and innovation. At Cuddy Park, the YEP team transformed the space through a combination of riverbank restoration, drainage improvements, and the creation of a rain garden designed to enhance the park’s beauty and prevent soil erosion. This project also involved planting a wide range of native plants, restoring the park’s natural landscape and stabilizing sensitive areas.

At Ship Creek and Hillstrand Pond, YEP teams focused on riverbank restoration, strengthening fragile ecosystems with hundreds of trees, shrubs and grasses. These efforts are already benefiting local wildlife by protecting Anchorage’s waterways. Elsewhere, at Sunset Park in the Government Hill neighborhood, YEP crews worked on trails, adding gravel, stabilizing turns and installing a new boardwalk to improve access for residents and visitors alike.

In total, YEP members planted more than 8,000 trees, shrubs and willow stakes across the city, including Russian Jack, Valley of the Moon and Eastchester parks. Their hard work helps Anchorage’s city parks thrive, creating healthier and greener spaces for the entire community.

Management and training

In addition to physical work, YEP prioritizes education and recreation to ensure participants gain valuable life skills and community engagement experiences. One day a week is set aside for adventures like hiking Arctic Valley, biking the Ship Creek Trail, or kayaking Eklutna Lake. Participants explored the history and culture of Alaska by visiting the Anchorage Museum, the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and a sheep farm where they also volunteered.

This experience is combined with lessons in environmental protection, teamwork and safety. From organizing events like the Mayor’s Marathon to learning firsthand about glacial ecosystems on the Matanuska Glacier, participants developed a deeper connection with nature and an appreciation for Anchorage’s rich natural environment.

Why YEP matters

YEP’s influence extends far beyond summer. Programs like this enable young people to take responsibility for their community while developing confidence, leadership and professional skills. The YEP also demonstrates how investing in youth creates a ripple effect, from greener areas to healthier ecosystems and stronger communities.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the program is the adolescent experience of personal growth. As they work 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 is over.

Looking ahead to 2025, I encourage Anchorage teenagers to apply for this life-changing program. Whether you’re passionate about the environment, looking for work experience or just 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 cultivating the next generation of leaders.

Applications for the 2025 YEP season will be open soon. Let’s keep the momentum going and deliver another incredible summer of growth, connection and impact. Together, we can continue to build a brighter, healthier and more vibrant Anchorage.

Ben Erwin is the Alaska Trails program manager — 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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