The mission of the Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District is to help people care for our forests, land, and water. We strive to find science-based solutions to natural resource related issues within our District, and to work collaboratively with landowners, agencies, and other organizations to identify funding and other resources.
About ASWCD
ASWCD is a member of the Alaska Association of Conservation Districts
Conservation districts originated during the Dustbowl era as a response to environmental degradation. Since before statehood, Alaska conservation districts have been specifically tasked with helping landowners conserve soil, water, and other natural resources. We aim to empower local communities by providing education, resources, and technical assistance for conservation practices.
Current Programs:
Cooperative Work on JBER
ASWCD Board of Directors
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Steve Gerlek
Chair
Steve is a community activist, supporter of urban agriculture, and one of the founders of the Government Hill Commons.
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Tony DeGange
Vice Chair
Tony is a retired wildlife biologist and has worked throughout Alaska. He is currently focusing his energies on local conservation efforts and learning to grow native plants.
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Anne Billman
Secretary
Anne worked as a plant ecologist within the public infrastructure and resource development sectors. She enjoys helping humans live lightly on the land. She envisions a leafy Anchorage with healthy, functioning streams, forests, and mountain tundra.
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Hans Thompson
Treasurer
Hans is passionate about invasive plant management and has been organizing bird cherry removal efforts locally.
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Melody Price
At Large
Melody has a passion for the natural world. She enjoys growing and caring for plants of all kinds, but particularly the ones you can eat. Melody was responsible for the restoration of habitat at the BP Energy Center in mid-town Anchorage which included removal of bird cherry (Mayday) and installation of native understory. She currently works in the private sector for Galen Driscol, LLC, a firm dedicated to environmental conflict resolution
Have a natural resource concern you would like to share?
Our board meetings are open to the public.
1st Wednesday of each month from 11:30 am - 1 pm
Email: info@anchorageswcd.org
Meet Our Staff
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Emily Becker
District Manager
Emily joined the Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District in November 2025 as District Manager. She previously worked for RurAL CAP in the GROW program, supporting food security projects across Alaska. She is a Navy brat, and both of her parents were from northeast cities, so she was not a nature kid. But a great field geology class in college inspired her, and she worked as a park ranger after graduation, including in the Chugach National Forest and Denali National Park. She fell in love with all things wild, especially plants. She taught in Alaska public schools for 20 years, earned a Permaculture Design Certificate, and is currently enrolled in the UAF Ethnobotany program. She serves as the newsletter editor of the Alaska Master Gardeners Anchorage chapter, on the Board of Boyer's Orchard, and as a member of the Alaska Community Forest Council.
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Hannah Thompson
Invasive Species Program Leader
hannah at anchorageswcd.org
Hannah moved to Alaska in the spring of 2022. She has a BS in Ecology, 3 years of experience in biological research, and 3 years of experience working with Invasive Species in Anchorage. She brings expertise in GIS, plant identification, invasive plant management, and land management. She is excited to address Invasive Species in Anchorage, and passionate about conservation, ecology, fish, wildlife, and of course, plants. In her position, Hannah serves as coordinator of the Anchorage Cooperative Species Management Area (ANC-CISMA), and serves as a board member on the Alaska Invasive Species Partnership (AKISP) board.
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Lizzie Bishop
Invasive Species Technician
lizzie at anchorageswcd.org
Lizzie was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. She has a BS in Environment and Society from the University of Alaska Anchorage and has 6 years of experience doing various environmental and conservation work in Alaska. Lizzie is proficient in GIS and has additional experience in plant identification, wetland delineation, environmental sampling, contaminated sites, and water quality. She is passionate about conservation and using a “one health” approach in her work and personal life. She is looking forward to using her skills, and gaining new ones, to help with invasive species management in Anchorage.
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Deborah Buring
Grants Accounting Specialist
deborah at anchorageswcd.org
Deborah grew up near Fairbanks and participated in her family's annual 1 acre garden, of which a 10' x 10' plot was for her own use. Deborah has a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology from the University of Alaska Southeast and is currently enrolled in the master's degree program in anthropology/cultural resource management (archaeology) at Eastern New Mexico University. She is excited to support the efforts of the Anchorage Soil and Water Conservation District.
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We're hiring!
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Wallace the Conservation Dog
Wally is a Wirehair Pointing Griffon who works with our invasive species team to sniff out orange hawkweed in Anchorage! In 2025, Wally sniffed along 75 miles of trails in Chugach State Park, and continues to work hard on the frontlines of the orange hawkweed invasion.