Thanks for a successful series

To the editor:

Winter is over and there are a satisfied number of newly educated, conservation-minded, motivated people in the Valley. On Jan. 17, the Wasilla Soil and Water Conservation District (WSWCD) Board of Supervisors, in collaboration with the Palmer Soil and Water Conservation District, embarked on a new adventure — to reach out to the community and provide a prime opportunity to neighbors and fellow Valley residents to learn practical conservation measures.

Due to the community education spirit of Talis Colberg, director of Mat Su College, and all of the passionate volunteer presenters, we were able to provide folks with a free 11-session Winter Conservation Series highlighting a smorgasbord of practical subjects.

The range of topics included: Introduction to Alaska Gardening, 23 Reasons Why You MUST Sample your Soil, Effective Stream Bank and Lake Shore Restoration Techniques, Dealing with Pesky Non-Native Weeds, Growing from a Garden into a Hobby Farm, Low Cost Framing Projects Construction, Bee Keeping Basics, An Alaska Garden Seen thru the Seasons, Vegetable Production the Organic Way and Private Water Well Testing.

Special appreciation is extended to our presenters and partners: Dr. Polly Bass, Mat Su College; Carol Kenley; John McNeal, WSWCD board member; Dr. Jeff Smeenk, “dirt” scientist and district manager, Palmer Soil and Water Conservation District; Dr. Steve Brown, UAF cooperative extension; Ron Phillips; Kelly Strawn; Amber Bethe, ADF&G; Brianne Blackburn, Division of Agriculture PMC; Doug and Florene Carney and Elizabeth Rensch of Analytica.

As WSWCD Board Chairman John Schirack stated: “Without the generosity of dedicated fellow practitioners, the series would not have been possible nor as effective.” Through its partners, WSWCD is pleased that the series has set the bar for future college-community collaborations. Plans include another series in 2014. Please submit session topics to Chuck Kaucic, district manager, at 357-4563 ext. 103 or distmgr@wasillaswcd.org.

We deeply appreciate Heather Resz, Frontiersman editor, for the publication’s vigilant and faithful support of community events. It is simply neighbors helping neighbors.

Chuck Kaucic,

District Manager, WSWCD