One-stop shop for fun

Finally we have a summer! Although it arrived rather late and abruptly, it’s nice to break a warm weather record for a change.

So what does that mean for Alaskans? Whether gardening, fishing, hiking, boating or other activities, Alaskans are sure to be out enjoying our glorious state. But before you go, consider stopping at your Cooperative Extension Service. We offer a wide range of practical information for all Alaskans.

Gardening or lawn concerns? See us first for soil testing information. If you’re headed out to buy some herbicide, stop in and get a specific recommendation for the weeds you have. Stop by again if some unknown pest is eating your garden vegetables or your favorite shrub. No garden or lawn yet? Find out what it takes to get these going. We also have a list of proven seed recommendations for the area, transplanting, greenhouse information, composting and much more. Remember us as well when you have a bumper crop to get recipes and preservation instruction.

What if your children are singing the “I’m Bored Blues?” Stop here for 4-H program and project information, snack and craft ideas, child care workshops, babysitting classes and youth activities. Many of our publications are used by school teachers, home-school groups, camp instructors and others. We may also be able to conduct a workshop at your camp or event.

Are you headed out to slay some salmon? Be sure to check with us for current information on freezing, canning, smoking and shipping your catch. Try out some of our recipes. We even have a publication to help you preserve that freshly caught walrus! Bring your canner gauge by for testing before you start your canning batches to be sure it’s accurate. We also have a food safety hotline for your questions, 1-888-823-3663. Our health, home and family development publications also include information on edible berries and plants, morels, camp cooking and Alaska parka and other patterns to get ready for the inevitable winter.

As summer flies on by, remember that your Cooperative Extension Service is a good source of information on many of these and other topics and provides workshops, publications and other learning opportunities. Many publications are free and downloadable online at uaf.edu/ces.

Lee Hecimovich is an associate professor of extension, 4-H and youth development at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.