News
State alerts beekeepers of discovery of 'economically significant' pest
October 03, 2025
A beetle that harms honey bees has been found in Alaska, according to the Alaska 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 Alaska 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 University of Ãå±±½ûµØ Cooperative Extension Service and Alaska 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 Alaskans get their gardening fix even on the darkest winter days. In a free statewide webinar offered by the University of Ãå±±½ûµØ 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
Ãå±±½ûµØ 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.
Registration open for 2025 Alaska Invasive Species Workshop
September 25, 2025
The annual Alaska Invasive Species Workshop, a forum for land and invasive species managers and scientists to discuss current issues, will be held Oct. 28-30 in Anchorage.
Palmer workshop to discuss home freeze-drying
September 22, 2025
In the last few years, home freeze-dryers have been gaining popularity as a food preservation tool. In a free class hosted by the University of Ãå±±½ûµØ Cooperative Extension Service, Professor Emeritus Leif Albertson will look at freeze-dryer safety, value and practical applications.
Delta Junction arborist to lead pruning workshop
September 18, 2025
A licensed arborist in Delta Junction will lead a free in-person workshop on the proper way to prune trees and shrubs. The workshop is sponsored by the University of Ãå±±½ûµØ Cooperative Extension Service and Partners for Progress in Delta.
Slugs slither into Fairbanks gardens
September 17, 2025
This summer, the real enemy in many Fairbanks gardens wasn't drought or moose — it was slugs. "I get more calls about slugs every year," said Gooseberry Peter, agriculture and integrated pest management program assistant with the University of Ãå±±½ûµØ Cooperative Extension Service. Most people calling have never had slugs before, making these slimy critters a major topic of conversation for Fairbanks gardeners this season.
Beginning strength building class for older adults offered in Fairbanks
September 15, 2025
Ãå±±½ûµØ Cooperative Extension Service is offering a beginning strength training class in Fairbanks for midlife and older adults. The StrongPeople Strong Bodies class helps increase muscle strength and bone density, improve balance and prevent falls.