We've Gone Virtual
Anchorage Invasive Weed Smackdown

Selected Sites around Anchorage
​between July 10, 2020 and July 20, 2020
(dates subject to change)

For the past nine years, the Anchorage Weed Smackdown has been an important event to assist in protection of habitats around the city.  It has also spread awareness about the threats posed by invasive species.  In order to keep the event going, and like so many other local and national events, the Smackdown will look different this year due to COVID-19.  

What is a weed smackdown?  The smackdown is a family-friendly event to control invasive plants, which are aggressive non-native plants that have the ability to spread rapidly and out-compete native plants for growing space.  This year we will be targeting bird vetch, yellow alfalfa, and invasive chokecherry in several locations around Anchorage.  By removing these invaders, native plants and healthy habitats are able to return. 

How is a virtual weed smackdown different?  Members of ANC-CISMA have identified five locations in Anchorage with patches of invasive plants suitable for virtual weed smackdowns.  Volunteer crew leaders register their groups (one person can make up a group!) and select one of these five locations and arrange a weed smackdown of their own.  Bags to collect the pulled weeds will be provided.  After the event, there will be prizes (selected at random from all participants) and a free t-shirt for all participants.

​Locations: More details about these sites can be found here (not yet available).

• Campbell Creek Greenbelt - Elmore to Piper - Bird Vetch
• Coastal Trail - Downtown Overlook - Bird Vetch
• Elderberry Park - Tunnel area - Yellow Alfalfa
• Taku Lake - woods to the south - Invasive Chokecherry
• Russian Jack Park - south of Chalet - Invasive Chokecherry

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How do I get more information? 
Complete details about the locations selected, the invasive plants targeted, plant identification and other things Crew Leaders need to know are in this document (not yet available)  

How do I get involved?  To volunteer, please click the Register button below.  

Some things to keep in mind:

• The work is best suited for older children and adults, but younger children are welcome to come and observe.
• You will be undertaking this event at your own risk.  A signed Municipality of Anchorage volunteer agreement is required of all participants, including children.  The MOA volunteer agreement can be downloaded here.  
• You pick the date.  Your group can work anytime between July 10 and July 20.  Report your results of your smackdown by July 26th and be eligible for prizes and a t-shirt.

​If you have additional questions or concerns, please e-mail ak.invasive.plants@gmail.com.

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Register for Virtual Weed Smackdown