News
Online »¨½·Ö±²¥ master gardener course open for registration
October 27, 2025
Registration is open for a new »¨½·Ö±²¥ master gardener course, which will be taught over Zoom. Casey Matney and Darren Snyder, agriculture and horticulture agents with the »¨½·Ö±²¥ Cooperative Extension Service, will lead the course.
Researcher to discuss benefits of using kelp as fertilizer
October 15, 2025
Kelp shows great promise for improving soil health and crop production in »¨½·Ö±²¥. In a free webinar, Erin Oliver, a postdoctoral researcher with Washington State University, will discuss the lab and field studies conducted at the Matanuska Experiment Farm to investigate the effects of kelp on soil health and crop production.
Food preservation, healthy living classes offered in Anchorage
October 09, 2025
The »¨½·Ö±²¥ Cooperative Extension Service and the Anchorage Museum's Seed Lab are offering five in-person food preservation and healthy living classes in Anchorage this month.
Biologist to discuss »¨½·Ö±²¥'s bats in free webinar
October 08, 2025
An »¨½·Ö±²¥ wildlife biologist will lead a free lunch-and-learn webinar on bats in »¨½·Ö±²¥ hosted by the »¨½·Ö±²¥ Cooperative Extension Service. Arin Underwood, who works with the Threatened, Endangered and Diversity Program with the »¨½·Ö±²¥ Department of Fish and Game, will discuss »¨½·Ö±²¥'s tiny flying mammals.
Free workshop lays out »¨½·Ö±²¥'s new homemade food rules
October 07, 2025
In 2024, the »¨½·Ö±²¥ Department of Environmental Conservation made significant changes to its cottage food industry rules, which are now called the homemade food exemption. Sarah Lewis, a »¨½·Ö±²¥ Cooperative Extension Service health, home and family development agent, will explain the changes in a free in-person and online workshop.
State alerts beekeepers of discovery of 'economically significant' pest
October 03, 2025
A beetle that harms honey bees has been found in »¨½·Ö±²¥, according to the »¨½·Ö±²¥ Division of Agriculture. Small hive beetles eat pollen, bee eggs, larvae and pupae (bee brood), and honey inside the hive. Their activity turns the honey foul and slimy. Their presence can lead to colony loss and reduced honey production, resulting in financial losses for the beekeeper.
Free class offers tips for preserving the harvest
October 03, 2025
Registration is open for a free, informative class on the best practices to keep your home-grown or farmers market produce as fresh as possible for as long as possible. Alex Wilson, agriculture education coordinator for »¨½·Ö±²¥ Pacific University, will share her expertise and the tools and tips for preserving garden-fresh produce after the harvest season.
In-person food preservation workshops offered in Palmer
October 02, 2025
Four in-person food preservation workshops are scheduled this month in Palmer as part of a partnership between the »¨½·Ö±²¥ Cooperative Extension Service and »¨½·Ö±²¥ Pacific University's Kellogg Campus. Sarah Lewis, an Extension health, home and family development agent, will teach the classes.
Webinar offers insight into friendly, and finicky, houseplants
October 01, 2025
Houseplants can help »¨½·Ö±²¥ns get their gardening fix even on the darkest winter days. In a free statewide webinar offered by the »¨½·Ö±²¥ Cooperative Extension Service, learn about which plants are easy to maintain and which can be finicky.
Exercise programs to strengthen bones, balance offered in Juneau
September 26, 2025
The »¨½·Ö±²¥ Cooperative Extension Service in Juneau is offering two exercise programs to help increase bone density. Sarah Lewis will lead the B3 (Better Bones & Balance) program, which offers a mix of strength and power training and group fitness activities.