Managing invasive species to protect food systems, communities, and regional economies
Invasive species are one of the foremost threats to ecosystem health and agriculture alike. Homer SWCD has been a leader in increasing awareness of and working to manage invasive species that are rapidly becoming a problem on the Kenai Peninsula. We survey land and water, manage infestations, and facilitate collaborative partnerships to better manage invasive species.
Chokecherry Tree Removal Program
Chokecherry trees are invasive species in Alaska, threatening moose and salmon habitat alike. Kenai Peninsula landowners may be eligible for free tree removal and replacement.*
* Subject to tree location, removal logistics, and funding availability. Contact us for details.
Program Activities
Alaska Certified Weed-Free Gravel Inspections
We offer weed free gravel pit and material site inspections in the Homer area and the Kenai Peninsula as part of the Alaska Weed Free Gravel Certification Program.
Invasive Species Team
Jen Chauvet
KP-CISMA and Program Coordinator
jen@homerswcd.org
After two decades of work as a park ranger, naturalist, and environmental educator, Jen joined the HSWCD invasive species team in 2021 to focus her time on invasive species outreach and education, but now helps to coordinate with partners across the peninsula.
Abby DeKoekkoek
Natural Resources Specialist
abby@homerswcd.org
Abby joined HSWCD in 2023 after doing salmon habitat restoration and invasive species removal work in Washington state. She is enjoying her time exploring the peninsula while working on the front lines responding to invasive species infestations.
Katrina Danzinger
Natural Resources Specialist
katrina@homerswcd.org
Katrina has worked with HSWCD and the Kenai Watershed Forum on terrestrial plant projects, Elodea surveys, and certified weed-free gravel inspections and outreach. Katrina is our boots on the ground in the central and northern peninsula.
Maria Hoffman
Natural Resources Technician
maria@homerswcd.org
Maria is an invasive species technician focused on surveying, mapping, and removing invasive plants. She also assists with water quality sampling and enjoys learning mycology in her free time.
Christopher Haberbush
Natural Resources Technician
christopher@homerswcd.org
Bio coming soon
Caleb Eckert
Program Manager
caleb@homerswcd.org
Caleb joined the Invasive Species team in 2024 to assist with grant management, budgeting, and project support. Outside of work, he spends time learning from the local ecology and tending kinships with land and community.
