‘A great day to remember to take care of our earth’: First Thunderbird Falls Earth Day cleanup

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) - Tuesday is Earth Day, a great day to appreciate the world we live in. Alaska State Parks, partnering with Alaska Trails, is planning to show appreciation in the form of a cleanup at Thunderbird Falls.

“Thunderbird Falls is in a world of hurt,” said Wendy Sailors, Community Engagement Manager with ASP, speaking of the amount of cleanup needed in the area. Specifically, dog waste and trash located on the trailhead and trail.

The cleanup is scheduled from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22. Volunteers are encouraged to bring long pants, boots, sunscreen, and nourishment.

“Earth Day in general is a great day just to remember to take care of our earth and to clean up after yourself, especially in the parks,” Sailors said. “We’ve seen quite an increase in our park use since 2020.”

The increase in park use has led to a “hard time” for staff who maintain the parks, including cleaning up after visitors.

Sailors says while the scheduled start time is 4 p.m., volunteers are encouraged to go to Thunderbird Falls at their convenience. For those unable to attend, she says carrying dog waste bags and picking up waste is a way to get involved, or simply pick up after your dog as soon as it happens.

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