Conservation Series kudos

To the editor:

Spring is here — winter is banished — resulting in nearly 400 newly educated conservation-prepared participants who took advantage of the recent 13 week session Conservation Series II hosted by the Wasilla and Palmer Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

As a result of the community mindedness of Talis Colberg, Director, Mat-Su College and his capable staff, the free Series had a home and the same classroom throughout the series. The 12 passionate presenters hit home run after home run with the varied smorgasbord of sessions.

Topics and presenters were: Intro to Alaskan Gardening, John McNeal; The “Dirt” on Compost, Jeff Smeenk; Clean Energy Solutions for Home and Business, Mark Masteller; Fungi Identification, History, Uses, Dave Ianson; Wild Edible and Medicinal Plants, Rachel Bobka; Backyard Plantings for Beauty and Wildlife, Doug and Florene Carney and Bill Jardell; How to Construct Low Cost Framing Projects, Ron Phillips; Vegetable Production the Organic Way, Bob Shumaker; Private/Homeowners Well Protection and Testing, Chuck Kaucic and Mary Curry; Greenhouse Fundamentals, Steve Brown; Fruit Tree Propagation and Grafting, Dan Elliot; and Tree Care, Maintenance and Pruning, Steve O’Sullivan.

We are indebted to their community spirit and willingness to share their expertise with satisfaction as their sole compensation.

As John McNeil, dual presenter and Wasilla District Board member said, “I just get excited about teaching people to grow their own food.”

That mindset simply summarizes the sharing that occurred.

We are indebted to Heather Resz, Frontiersman editor, for faithfully supporting us and printing announcements throughout the series.

A Series III with new topics is planned for 2015. Kindly forward session ideas and potential presenters to us at distmgr@wasillaswcd.org or call 357-4511. In summary, it is why the Wasilla District was formed in 1948 — neighbors helping neighbors to share and resolve conservation matters. Bravo!

Chuck Kaucic

Manager

Wasilla Soil and Water Conservation District