Welcome to Anchorage’s Adopt-A-Trail program! This program recruits, trains, and supports individuals and groups who want to take an active role in keeping our trail system healthy and clean for everyone to enjoy.
How to Adopt-A-Trail?
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Select a section of trail to adopt!
Consider choosing a section of trail that you frequent regularly or that is close to home.
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Contact the Volunteer Coordinator: Contact the volunteer coordinator at 907-343-4587 or
ellen.devine@anchorageak.gov to inquiry about the park and get the paperwork to start the adoption process.
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Orientation:Once your park is officially adopted, our volunteer coordination staff will send an orientation packet and additional information to schedule you first cleanup.
Adopt-a-Park FAQs
Who can Adopt a Trail?
Everyone is welcome! Volunteers can be community groups, organizations, neighborhood associations, faith-based organizations, youth groups, families, or any individual that want to make a difference in Anchorage and have an interest in keeping our trails safe and clean.
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Adopters under 18-years-old need a waiver signed by a parent/guardian.
What is the Time Commitment?
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A minimum of a
one-year agreement that can be renewed at the end of the time period
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Volunteers are asked to complete a
minimum of four cleanups per year
What are the Expectations?
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Volunteers are expected to complete a
minimum of four cleanups per year
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Monitor your trail for safety and vandalism
- Upon appoval, Adopters can arrange additional projects including planting, painting, mulching, removing weeds, etc. To arrange additional volunteer opportunities contact the Volunteer Office at 907-343-4587.
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Report Volunteer Hours: Once you successfully adopt a park, volunteers are asked to keep track of volunteer contributions via our volunteer coordination platform,
POINT. Every hour you spend caring for our parks makes a difference, and reporting your time helps us recognize your efforts and keep our program strong.
What are the Benefits?
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Tools: With advance notice, volunteers can pick up cleanup supplies including nitrile gloves, garbage bags, garbage buckets, and litter pickers from our volunteer supply shed.
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Trash Pickup: Are you scheduling a big cleanup? Let us know and we will arrange for our maintenance crew to pick up full bags at the end of your event.
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Sign: After successfully completing your first cleanup event, we will put up an Adopt-A-Trail sign recognizing your group!
What are the Safety Guidelines?
- All volunteers must have a completed volunteer waiver. Waivers are valid for one year. Individuals under 18, must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
- Volunteers should not perform any activity outside of their physical capabilities.
- The use of power tools or motorized equipment is prohibited unless pre-authorized by Anchorage Parks and Recreation.
- Avoid picking up discarded syringes/needles
- Do not attempt to clean abandoned homeless camps as there may be hazardous materials. Instead
please report abandoned camps online.