UAF CES Anchorage Outreach Center

10/15/2026

The Cooperative Extension Service Anchorage office will be closed on Thursday, October 15. We apologize for any inconvenience.

10/14/2026

🦀 The European Green Crab (Carcinus Maenas) is considered one of the most invasive species in the marine environment. It has few predators and aggressively hunts and outcompetes local species for food and habitat. It has been documented that the green crab destroys eelgrass beds and preys on juvenile king crab and juvenile salmon. Green crabs were first introduced to North America in the 1800s, likely hitching a ride in the ballast water of merchant ships from Europe. They may also be transported with shellfish, equipment, or packing materials in aquaculture operations, as well as spread from one invaded area to another in ocean currents. Green crab could potentially damage Alaska’s multi-billion dollar fisheries industries, especially for salmon, Dungeness crab, and mariculture operations.

🔎 Learn about European green crabs and more about invasive species management at the upcoming Invasive Species Workshop happening in Juneau on October 27-29, 2026. Registration is open for in-person and virtual attendees. Register here: https://alaskainvasives.org/?page_id=134

Information by NOAA. Photo by USFWS.

10/13/2026

❤️🍀

Anchorage 4-H relaunched in September! Our open house drew around 50 youth and their families to connect with veteran leaders, explore hands-on STEM and agriculture activities and discover what makes 4-H unique.

This momentum is turning directly into community-driven expansion: Anchorage is actively chartering new clubs focused on youth leadership, hands-on urban agriculture and STEM. With dedicated adult volunteers stepping forward, these youth are building practical skills, connecting with local mentors and proving what’s possible when community and hands-on learning come together. Anchorage is excited for this new 4-H year!

https://www.facebook.com/anchorage4h/

Find a club, become a member, and learn more about Alaska 4-H at www.uaf.edu/ces/4-h/

The Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Extension enriches the lives of Alaskans through research, education and outreach grounded in community needs.

10/12/2026

Today we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day. Here in Alaska, we honor the Native peoples that have sustained themselves on these lands for Millenia.

At the Alaska Tribes Extension Program—a part of the Cooperative Extension Service—our goal is to promote food secure Tribes while upholding traditional knowledge and traditional food gathering. We do this through relevant outreach, listening, learning and networking with Tribes throughout the state as we work to better understand and educate ourselves about Tribal food sovereignty.

Check out the Alaska Tribes Extension Program here: https://www.uaf.edu/ces/districts/tribes/

Learn more at the Tribal Food Sovereignty and Security page: https://www.uaf.edu/ces/districts/tribes/tribal-food-sovereignty-security.php

And read an article by Heidi Rader and Glenna Gannon, faculty with IANRE. https://www.adn.com/opinions/2024/10/13/opinion-supporting-indigenous-foodways-in-alaska/

"In October 1988, 20 men carried the Wolf Totem Pole: Everyone's Grandfather (left in photo below) across the frozen UAF campus. That night the totem was raised in a traditional Tlingit ceremony. The 20-foot pole is made of western red cedar from Ketchikan and features the three figures of eagle, wolf, and bear. This particular totem pole honors the traditional teaching method of a master artist working alongside his apprentices."

10/09/2026

Final chance to participate in the Spruce Beetle Survey - https://uaa.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8i9PgTo5j3qseEe

University of Alaska Fairbanks researchers Jessie Young-Robertson and Glenna Gannon have been conducting a study on the effects of spruce beetles on forest health. As part of this study, they are hoping to hear about how spruce beetles are affecting the lives of people throughout the state. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.

The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and will help identify what different communities want to know about spruce beetles, and how that information would be most effectively delivered. Thank you in advance for your time!

If you have any questions about this survey or project please contact the project lead, Dr. Jessica Young Robertson at: [email protected]. If you have any questions or concerns about your rights as a research project participant, please contact the UAF Research Integrity Administrator at: 907-474-7800.

10/09/2026

Did you know we have a publication on keeping your house running during a cold Alaska winter?🥶🏠❄️
Access it at https://www.uaf.edu/ces/publications/database/energy/keep-house-operating-cold.php

10/07/2026

Great event on Saturday, October 10!
In the spirit of community and preparedness, REAP and partners (CIRI, Center for Safe Alaskans, The Alaska Center, Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Anchorage Health Department, Cook Inlet Housing Authority, Alaska Youth for Environmental Action, SteamDot Coffee Company, and AKPIRG) is hosting a Winter Preparedness Fair at the Fairview Rec Center
Event runs from noon to 4 p.m. for free food and home weatherization kits (for the first 100 people); family-friendly activities and demonstrations; and a chance to connect with local nonprofits offering programs and resources to help keep you safe and warm this winter.
Learn more by visiting the event page on their website at: https://alaskarenewableenergy.org/event/2026-anchorage-winter-preparedness-fair/?fbclid=IwY2xjawUw4QtleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMWxNSHZQdVo0cXhqQzBDWk5zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe5IS2JN-DcRvR

10/06/2026

Join us tomorrow to learn more about how soil forms and how physical, chemical, and biological properties affect soil health. 🌱 The webinar starts at noon, register at https://bit.ly/SoilOct7. All registrants will receive a recording of the webinar, so sign up even if you can't make it tomorrow.

10/05/2026

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS !! 📣

Oyster Farming 101 (2026)
🗓️ December 8 – December 10

This free three-day workshop is for anyone interested in learning more about Pacific oysters and oyster farming in Alaska. No previous oyster farming experience is needed. 🤝🏼

Participants will learn about oysters, what they need to grow, and the basics of starting and operating an oyster farm in Alaska. The workshop will introduce the different stages of oyster farming, from choosing a location and getting oyster seed through growing, harvesting and selling oysters. 🦪

The workshop will include plenty of hands-on activities, demonstrations, live oysters, and opportunities to work with oyster farming equipment. The goal is to provide a fun, practical introduction to oyster farming and give participants a better understanding of what is involved before deciding whether they would like to learn more. 🌊

Space is limited, and applications are required. This workshop is free, and lunch is provided.

Applications are due October 21, 2026 ‼️

Click the link 🔗 below to learn more and apply!

🔗: https://alaskaseagrant.org/event/oyster-farming-introduction-2026/

10/05/2026

Don't miss this month's Alaska Master Gardeners Anchorage newsletter👍

October Newsletter Link ... Crisp air & cozy layers! 🍂❄️

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