SNRAS Science & News

Livestock seminar Feb. 18 and 19

2012-02-07T12:32:00.000-08:00

The UAF Cooperative Extension Tanana 4-H District is sponsoring a two-day seminar/workshop, Raising Quality Livestock: Making the Best Better on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus. The workshop features guest presenters Brett Kaysen and Mick Livingston of Colorado State University. The workshop is free and open to the public.Saturday, February 18Schaible Auditorium, Bunnell

Professor Zhang takes sabbatical

2012-01-20T11:04:00.000-08:00

Associate Professor Mingchu Zhang (pictured at left) will be on sabbatical until April 30. His goal is to visit China to study peony-growing techniques.“They have thousands of years of history that could benefit the growers here,” Zhang said. Interest in peony production in Alaska has blossomed in the past few years and Zhang would like to increase his knowledge so he can advise the growers about

Greenhouse, peony conferences next week

2012-01-20T10:58:00.000-08:00

Back-to-back conferences in Girdwood Jan. 25-27 will provide support for the Alaska horticulture industry.The Alaska Greenhouse and Nursery Conference, Jan. 25–26, and the Alaska Peony Growers Conference, Jan. 26-27, will take place at Alyeska Resort. The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service will host both conferences.Stephen Brown, agriculture and horticulture agent for

Ethnoecology class offered for spring semester

2012-01-18T15:21:00.001-08:00

A new class, Ethnoecology, will be offered at UAF for spring semester. Taught by Professor Craig Gerlach (pictured at right), this course surveys the basic concepts of ethnoecology, which is the subject of new epistemological and methodological directions resulting from the rise of interdisciplinary linkages between and among the social, natural and ecological sciences and by new interests in

SNRAS professor assists with Nome icebreaker mission

2012-01-12T14:41:00.000-08:00

U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy at right approaches the Russian tanker Renda while breaking ice south of Nome, Jan. 10. (photo by U.S. Coast Guard)During the last couple of nights when SNAP Assistant Professor Keith Cunningham has received email requesting his help in the wee hours, he doesn’t just catch more zzzz’s; he jumps to his computer and gets to work.As the Coast Guard Cutter Healy and the

Sustainable ag conference set for March

2012-01-11T16:44:00.000-08:00

The eighth annual Sustainable Agriculture Conference is scheduled for March 14-15 at the Fairbanks Princess Riverside Lodge. Two pre-conference workshops will kick off the event on March 13. Anyone interested in farming, eating local and cultivating mushrooms and other foods is welcome to attend.In past years, pre-conference workshops have drawn more than 100 participants, with attendance nearing

Ag leader passes away in Palmer

2012-01-05T11:23:00.000-08:00

Leslie Joe "Buzz" Klebesadel, 83 and an agricultural leader in Alaska, died Dec. 30, 2011.He was born Aug. 18, 1928, on a dairy farm in Wisconsin.In 1949 when he was 20, Klebesadel first came to the Territory of Alaska after accepting an invitation from his uncle, Harlow Hodgson, to work at Palmer's USDA Agricultural Experiment Station. Having then left Alaska to enroll at the University of

New scholarships offered for grad students

2011-12-16T15:26:00.000-08:00

Students interested in earning advanced degrees in the area of childhood wellness may wish to apply for scholarships and help conduct research on childhood obesity.Associate Professor Bret Luick is leading the Children's Healthy Living Program, a cooperative project with UAF and institutes of higher learning in American Samoa, the Federated States of Micronesia, Guam, Hawaii, Marshall Islands,

Seniors present research results: phenology, land management and seafood waste

2011-12-08T11:53:00.000-08:00

From left, Cassie Wohlgemuth, Laurel Gale, Adriana Amaya.On Dec. 2 three SNRAS seniors presented the results of their theses.Adriana Amaya’s topic was “A Handbook for Phenology Monitoring for Primary Grade Teachers in Fairbanks, Alaska.”Amaya said her intent was to create a tool that teachers could use to introduce young students to the scientific process in a developmentally appropriate setting,

Survey: Abrupt permafrost thaw increases climate threat

2011-11-30T12:10:00.000-08:00

As the Arctic warms, greenhouse gases will be released from thawing permafrost faster and at significantly higher levels than previous estimates, according to survey results from 41 international scientists published in the Nov. 30 issue of the journal Nature. SNRAS Professor Chien-Lu Ping was involved in the study.Permafrost thaw will release approximately the same amount of carbon as

Fix appointed to BLM resource council

2011-11-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

Associate Professor Peter Fix (pictured at left) has been appointed to the U.S. department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management Resource Advisory Council. The 15-member advisory panel provides advice and recommendations to the BLM on resource and land management issues for 75 million acres of federal public land in Alaska.The RAC meets one to three times per year. Membership includes a cross

Trails association awarded for service

2011-11-28T17:31:00.000-08:00

Trailhead at the Matanuska Experiment Farm.The Matanuska Greenbelt Trails Association, which the Matanuska Experiment Farm is a participant in, was presented a community service award by the Mat-Su Convention and Visitors Bureau on Nov. 18.This award is only occasionally given to acknowledge special contributions by groups or individuals to better the community. The Matanuska Greenbelt Trails

SNRAS/AFES greenhouse ready for research and teaching

2011-11-23T12:16:00.000-08:00

UAF Chancellor Brian Rogers and SNRAS Dean Carol Lewis cut the ribbon at the new greenhouse Nov. 22. In the middle is Murray Richmond, aide to Sen. Joe Thomas, and at right is Jack Wilbur of Design Alaska.With the quick snip of an enormous pair of scissors across a royal blue ribbon the opening of the new $5.325 million UAF School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences/Agricultural and

Fairbanks celebrates Geography Awareness Week in style

2011-11-22T12:40:00.000-08:00

Lizzy and Molly Cable get help from UAF graduate student Nicole Swenson in producing birch knitting needles.From the latest high-tech Google Earth and GIS programs to the low-techness of squishing “glacier goo” between fingers, the 2nd annual GeoFest appealed to young people and their parents.Held in celebration of Geography Awareness Week and hosted by the UA Geography Program, a department of

Art teachers select OneTree as theme for school year

2011-11-16T16:28:00.000-08:00

Art specialist DeAnn Moore demonstrates an art project based on the OneTree theme at Woodriver Elementary.The SNRAS program OneTree has been selected as the theme for the fall semester by the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District Art Center.Each year the Art Center staff choose a project around which to develop and test curriculum. Each of the center's five art specialists develops one or

Four SNRAS students tackle senior theses

2011-11-15T11:25:00.000-08:00

From left, Brian Robertson, Mitch Chandler, Teslyn Visscher and Cherish Yuke presented senior thesis proposals.Four SNRAS students presented proposals for their senior theses on Nov. 4.Mitch Chandler’s subject is “Public Perceptions of Cow Moose Hunting in Alaska.” In the 1950s Alaska reduced its wolf population through aerial hunting and poison. Consequently, moose numbers increased but hunters’

Juneau hosts first GeoFest

2011-11-14T16:49:00.000-08:00

Juneau had its first GeoFest, a community celebration of Geography Awareness Week, Saturday, Nov. 12. Over 100 people came out in slush and freezing rain to experience the fun activities based on the the theme "Geography: The Adventure in Your Community." Here are a couple of scenes from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center on Saturday:The event was sponsored by the UA Geography Program, based

SNRAS to cut ribbon on new greenhouse Nov. 22

2011-11-14T10:55:00.000-08:00

The new SNRAS/AFES greenhouse will be dedicated Nov. 22.A new state-of-the-art horticulture greenhouse will be dedicated on the University of Alaska Fairbanks campus Nov. 22.The $4.5 million teaching and research facility replaces the 40-year old West Ridge greenhouse that was removed earlier this year to make space for the construction of the Life Sciences building.The 4,500-square-foot

GeoFest set for Nov. 19

2011-11-11T11:26:00.000-08:00

In celebration of Geography Awareness Week (Nov. 13-19), Fairbanks will host the 2nd annual GeoFest, a free, fun and educational family event on Saturday, Nov. 19 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the UAF Wood Center. Geography Awareness Week is an annual celebration enacted by Congress in 1987 that invites families and schools to engage in experiences that draw attention to geo-literacy and the importance of

The Importance of “Where”

2011-11-11T10:53:00.000-08:00

By Roger PearsonThe other day I was introduced to someone with the comment that I was a geographer. Instantly the other person said “What is the capital of Maryland?” The question highlights what many adults think constitutes the study of geography—the study of countries, capitals, mountains and rivers. In fairness they were probably taught the subject that way.Students and teachers today,

Peace Corps assigns Straus to The Gambia

2011-11-08T15:08:00.000-08:00

Samantha Straus, 26, (pictured at right) a Master's International student with SNRAS, has been accepted into the Peace Corps.Straus will be departing for The Gambia, Africa, in March 2012, to begin pre-service training as a forestry Peace Corps volunteer.Straus is a graduate of Arizona State University and is currently enrolled in the Peace Corps Master’s International program at the University

Juneau to celebrate Geography Awareness Week

2011-11-07T11:53:00.000-08:00

In celebration of Geography Awareness Week (Nov. 13-19), Juneau will host its first GeoFest, a free, fun and educational family event on Saturday, Nov. 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center. Geography Awareness Week is an annual celebration enacted by Congress in 1987 that invites families and schools to engage in fun, educational experiences that draw attention to

Holy Land: Healing, a Betrayal, and Home

2011-11-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

By Professor Glenn JudayPools of BethesdaAs we exit the front entrance of the Basilica of St. Anne, we immediately encounter a deep pit, obviously ancient, lined with stone block masonry, from which piers and pillars rise. The potential for an unexpected, and serious, fall is clear. Who would have built something like this? Unless, of course, these pits were meant to be filled with water. They

Volunteers train for Geography Awareness Week

2011-11-02T11:14:00.000-07:00

From left Jessica Huf, Sarah Jones and Christine Butcher, volunteers for Geography Awareness Week, work on their map of Alaska during the Oct. 28 training session.With Geography Awareness Week (Nov. 13-19) rapidly approaching, the UA Geography Program staff have been busy preparing for in-school visits and two events. This year's theme is "Geography: The Adventure in Your Community."Throughout

Master's International student warms up to Fiji

2011-10-31T14:30:00.000-07:00

Brooke McDavid weaves a mat for her house in Fiji.By Brooke McDavid, SNRAS Master's International studentI write to you from a village by the sea on the Southwest point of the second largest island in Fiji, just a small dot on the world map in Viti Levu. I am three hours away from the nearest American and six hours by bus from the nearest town. Nope, I'm not on vacation -- I'm a United States

Cooperative Extension Service nears end of search for ag agent

2011-10-31T12:48:00.000-07:00

The two candidates for the CES Tanana District agriculture and horticulture agent position will give presentations on their extension/outreach background and their vision for the future of the position this week.Presentations will take place at the Cooperative Extension Service building (formerly the forestry building) at Taku Drive and Tanana Loop on the UAF campus in the conference room. The

Wounded soldiers mingle with reindeer at Fairbanks Experiment Farm

2011-10-31T11:56:00.000-07:00

Dean & Director Carol Lewis (at right) explained to the visitors about UAF being a land grant university and the work done through the Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.Three-year-old Jayden Aragon enjoyed feeding lichen to the reindeer.Erin Carr introduced the reindeer to the visitors.Through a connection made in Iraq, wounded soldiers were able to visit the Fairbanks Experiment Farm

Food Day at UAF proves tasty event

2011-10-24T16:30:00.000-07:00

Carol Lewis displays the reindeer loin she cooked upstairs in the Wood Center kitchen. The meat, high in protein and low in fat, is raised at the Fairbanks Experiment Farm.All smiles after winning the Iron Chef cookoff, Dean Michael Castellini, at right, accepts the award from KUAC's Jerry Evans. In the center is NANA Chef Dave Sikorski.Judging is a hard job but someone has to do it! From left,

Food security is up to all of us

2011-10-21T18:17:00.001-07:00

By Craig GerlachAll Alaskans are eaters, but only a very tiny minority (maybe 2 percent) are farmers working a little over 680 Alaskan farms. Everyone seems to be jumping on the “local food is better” bandwagon, at least with their sentiments, if not always with their pocketbooks, but we have a long way to go before we will begin to attract young people into farming, before we make the policy

Tree measurements at Reserve West beat the arrival of snow – again

2011-10-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

Permanent marker post at Reserve West, driven down into the ground when a large spruce snag killed by the 1983 Rosie Creek Fire fell on it. Completion of the 2011 Reserve West white spruce measurements, Oct. 5. (left to right, Randy Peterson, Glenn Juday, David Spencer).David Spencer arriving at Reserve West hectare reference stand, in shirtsleeve weather on Sept. 27, 2011. Where were you in the

Sustainable Livestock Production Conference Day 1

2011-10-13T14:22:00.001-07:00

The Sustainable Livestock Conference was a process of participation for all attendees as evidenced by the notes taken here.We're here in Anchorage in the midst of the first workshop session of the first Sustainable Livestock Production Conference. We'll be making regular posts to this blog as the conference progresses, so please check back regularly. This morning, after an introduction by

New post doc jumps into teaching NRM 101

2011-10-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

SNRAS’s newest post-doctoral candidate Thomas Grant (pictured above) comes to Alaska after a long stint with the Denver Botanic Garden, where he researched rare plant conservation and invasive plant management.For the past year in Alaska he has been completing his PhD and assisting Professor Glenn Juday in his dendrochronology work, studying the changes in the boreal forest and interactions with

It's official: The borough loves Food Day!

2011-10-10T16:12:00.000-07:00

On Oct. 10 Borough Mayor Luke Hopkins signed a proclamation supporting Food Day. With him is Carol Lewis, dean of the UAF School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences and director of the Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station. In the background are reindeer from the Reindeer Research Program. Oct. 24 is Food Day in Fairbanks and all across the nation. UAF will celebrate with

Food Day to arrive Oct. 24

2011-10-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

Deciding what to eat can have many implications. Food Day is a day set aside to think about that.Food touches the lives of everyone and in recognition of that a new national event begins this year. Just as Earth Day is celebrated every April 22, Food Day will be held every Oct. 24.The goals are to reduce diet-related disease by promoting safe, healthy foods; support sustainable farms and limit

SNRAS professor is part of publishing team for controversial fuel report

2011-10-05T11:57:00.000-07:00

SNRAS Assistant Professor Andy Soria co-authored a National Academy of Sciences report that was released yesterday at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.The report, Renewable Fuel Standard: Potential Economic and Environmental Effects of U.S. Biofuel Policy,” is garnering much media and academic attention because it predicts a gloomy future for cellulosic ethanol (made from corn stalks,

Farm to School issues challenge

2011-10-04T17:01:00.000-07:00

The Division of Agriculture will promote Alaska Grown food in the state’s schools and celebrate National Farm to School Month by launching a Farm to School Challenge. Last year, Congress designated October as National Farm to School Month, recognizing the important role that Farm to School programs play in promoting good nutrition and strong economies. The Division of Agriculture launched a

Take the challenge: dine on food stamp budget for a week

2011-10-04T16:49:00.000-07:00

The UAF Cooperative Extension Service is challenging Alaskans to live off the weekly food stamp budget Oct. 9-15.The food stamp challenge aims to raise awareness of the difficulty of eating well on the food stamp budget. Participants limit their food purchases to the amount of the weekly food stamp benefit, which is $55 for a single Alaska adult who lives on the road system and up to $85 for

Woodsmen gather for a day of old-time competition

2011-10-03T11:48:00.000-07:00

While birling may get the most attention, the log rolling event is one of the toughest aspects of the Forest Fest!You've never seen so many Carhartts since the famous Fairbanks Carhartt ball went defunct. True outdoors attire was the order of the day Saturday at the 14th annual Farthest North Forest Sports Festival, but it wasn't for show.The folks bedecked in insulated coveralls and plaid

Sustainable methods of livestock production will be analyzed at conference

2011-09-28T17:04:00.000-07:00

Is it possible to raise livestock in Alaska? You betcha!UAF SNRAS and CES will host the Sustainable Livestock Conference Oct. 13-14 at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel. The conference, which aims to help increase agricultural production in Alaska, will focus on sustainable red meat production.“We know we have the potential to produce enough red meat to feed the people of Alaska but we don’t do it.

Forest fest to test woodsmen's skills on Oct. 1

2011-09-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

The log birling event is always popular at the Forest Fest. (UAF Photo by Todd Paris)If you’ve got what it takes to compete in old-time woodsmen skills, mark your calendar for Oct. 1. The day’s itinerary includes ax throwing, log rolling, bow saw and crosscut sawing, fire building and more when the 14th annual Farthest North Forest Sports Festival occurs at the University of Alaska

Holy Land Pilgrimage: A Gate, A Basilica, and a Royal Match

2011-09-21T16:55:00.000-07:00

By Glenn Patrick Juday, Professor of Forest Ecology, School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences, University of Alaska Fairbanks, based on travel May 3-June 1, 2011The Name of a GateOur Footprints pilgrimage group takes a short ride from the Notre Dame center to the northeast corner of the walled Old City of Jerusalem. Access for large vehicles anywhere near the Old City is difficult,

SNRAS plays key role in STEM conference

2011-09-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

The Alaska Math and Science Conference will be held in Fairbanks Sept. 24-26 with a focus on STEM Education: Foundation for Alaska’s Future.Teachers from around the state will learn innovative educational approaches that will help emphasize science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in their districts, schools and classrooms. Workshops and sessions will be held at Lathrop High School

SNRAS project receives national recognition for successful researcher-community partnerships

2011-09-20T10:47:00.000-07:00

“The Subsistence Sharing Network Project,” a UAF School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences cooperative study, will receive highest honors from the U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary of Interior Wednesday in Washington, D.C.The “Secretary’s Partners in Conservation Award” is granted to organizations demonstrating exemplary collaboration and unique investigations. The Sharing

Fire science workshop set for Oct. 6-7

2011-09-19T14:48:00.000-07:00

Artists gathered at Denali National Park in July 2011 to learn about fire effects and succession in the 2002 Horseshoe Lake Fire area. (Photo by Jen Northway)The Alaska Fire Science Consortium is hosting the 3rd annual Fire Science Workshop Oct. 6-7. All UAF faculty and students interested wildland fire-related research are invited to attend.This event will be a great opportunity to connect and

NSF director to visit UAF

2011-09-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

Matt Kane (pictured at right), program director of the National Science Foundation Ecosystem Science Cluster, will visit UAF Sept. 20-23, hosted by Alaska EPSCoR and the Institute of Arctic Biology.All interested faculty, staff and students are invited to attend his two seminars and to meet with him individually. Please contact Mary Beth Leigh to schedule an individual or group meeting during the

Growers' school offered by distance delivery

2011-09-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

The Advanced Alaska Growers School is accepting registration from master gardeners and others with at least two years of gardening or farming experience.The free course, which is sponsored by the UAF Cooperative Extension Service, begins Sept. 21. It will be offered through four distance-delivery methods, including self-paced options.Instructor Donavan Kienenberger said the 12-week course is the

GIS software will open new worlds to Alaska teachers and students

2011-09-12T13:45:00.000-07:00

Elementary and secondary classrooms across Alaska now have access to geographic information system technology, thanks to a partnership between the University of Alaska Geography Program, the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, and Esri, a leading software development company.Students, educators and administrators in all of Alaska's primary and secondary schools will be able to

Alaska schools invited to participate in Geographic Bee

2011-09-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

Alaska students competing in the Geographic Bee last spring in Anchorage nervously awaited the final round. The winner of the Alaska Geographic Bee represents the state at the national event in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Katie Kennedy)Alaska schools and homeschool associations with fourth through eighth graders are eligible to participate in the Geographic Bee. Not only is the contest a fun,

Students may apply to attend agriculture conference; travel awards to be granted

2011-09-07T17:17:00.000-07:00

The UAF School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences and the UAF Cooperative Extension Service are hosting the Sustainable Livestock Production in Alaska conference at the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel, Oct. 13-14. The conference will bring together livestock professionals and others interested in developing a stronger, more functionally integrated red meat system in Alaska. The goal of the

Reindeer calves dubbed with names

2011-09-02T11:45:00.000-07:00

For reindeer calves at the Fairbanks Experiment Farm, the feed trough is much more interesting than a new name. At the age of five months, the calves in the UAF Reindeer Research Program have received their names. While one was named Obama last year, the "politician of the moment" name granted a calf this time is Sarah P. "Sarah Palin was the name nominated but we shortened it to Sarah P to

Potato disease found in Alaska

2011-09-01T17:49:00.000-07:00

Late blight has shown up in the fields of two potato producers in Palmer and Delta Junction. The UAF Cooperative Extension Service is working with major potato producers to help prevent the spread of the blight, a fungus-like disease that was responsible for the Irish potato famine. The disease can rapidly kill plants in the field or cause potatoes to rot in storage. Late blight was discovered

Fairbanks restaurants: where to find Alaska Grown

2011-08-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

Fairbanks farmers are growing vegetables like zucchini for restaurants. By Nancy Tarnai Ah, dining out in Fairbanks. Just a few years ago you could count on nearly everything you ordered having been delivered here via a large food service company. While restaurants still rely on those entities (and likely always will to some degree) they are beginning to buy closer to home, delighting customers

Better grass for athletics sought at Matanuska Experiment Farm

2011-08-30T17:46:00.000-07:00

Farm Manager Judson Scott examines a plot of turfgrass being grown specifically for soccer and football fields. Alaska soccer teams and golfers may soon be playing on grass varieties that are new to Alaska, thanks to research projects at the Matanuska Experiment Farm, a University of Alaska Fairbanks facility in Palmer. Eight types of high performance bluegrasses bred for use as sports turf are

New potato developed for the Alaska market

2011-08-26T11:03:00.000-07:00

The 29-6 potato is pretty as a picture. A new line of potato developed at the Matanuska Experiment Farm in Palmer stands to boost the state’s agriculture industry with its consumer plate appeal. “It has high potential,” said Carol Lewis, UAF School of Natural Resources and Agricultural Sciences dean and the Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station director. “It will benefit the public, the

New course focuses on sustainable livelihoods

2011-08-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

"Sustainable Livelihoods and Community Well-Being," is a new course offered by SNRAS for fall semester. Taught by Craig Gerlach and Phil Loring, the class is designed for natural resources management and geography students. "We will be looking at food, water, agriculture and food production, heath, climate and weather changes, community development, and linkages at all scales, from global to

SNAP welcomes new assistant professor

2011-08-23T18:05:00.000-07:00

The SNRAS program, Scenarios Network for Alaska and Arctic Planning, welcomes a new research assistant professor, Keith Cunningham (pictured at left). He holds a PhD from the University of Kansas and his research interest is remote sensing using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR). He teaches for the UA Geography Program courses such as Introduction to Remote

Comparative farming course offered this fall

2011-08-22T16:49:00.001-07:00

These turkeys do not realize they may be a topic of discussion in the comparative farming course, offered at UAF this fall. Due to the overwhelming response of the spring offering of "Comparative Farming and Sustainable Food Systems," the course is once again available this fall. The three-credit class is cross listed in natural resources management, geography and cross-cultural studies. The

Rural residents attend growers' school

2011-08-22T16:32:00.000-07:00

Erin Carr (at right), animal caretaker for the Reindeer Research Program, teaches Alaskan Growers' School participants about reindeer Aug. 19 at the Fairbanks Experiment Farm. Donavan Kienenberger picked up a blue, three-gallon plastic tub and turned to his students, “OK guys. Let’s do worms.” The 11 participants in this year’s Alaskan Growers School gathered around Kienenberger for their class

Down From Jerusalem to Jericho

2011-08-16T16:19:00.000-07:00

Water collection cistern from the first century AD at Qumran National Park. Water was stored in cisterns such as this after it was collected from rare periods of live flow of a stream in the wadi following a handful of rains in the winter. Remnants of the ancient concrete lining to prevent water seepage loss are visible on the sides. (Glenn Juday photo) By Professor Glenn Juday (This is the

Valentine named Forest Sciences chair

2011-08-15T18:30:00.000-07:00

Professor David Valentine (pictured at left) has been elected chair of the Forest Sciences Department. “I am very excited about the direction we have started going,” Valentine said. Forest Sciences and Geography faculty have been collaborating to create a new geography degree option in Environmental Decision Making. “We want to equip the students with a variety of decision-making tools, both

Agriculture celebrated Mat-Su style

2011-08-15T14:44:00.000-07:00

Hayrides were a popular pastime at the event, giving visitors an opportunity to tour the farm fields and trails. Kids loved the petting zoo, and so did the goats! The calf in the corner preferred sleeping to socializing. Put children and straw together and you've got instant fun. Alaska Agriculture Appreciation Day drew huge crowds to the Matanuska Experiment Farm Aug. 11. The annual event

Celebrate Alaska agriculture in Palmer

2011-08-05T12:32:00.000-07:00

Cow milking was one of the intriguing demonstrations at last year's event.Alaska Agriculture Appreciation Day, set for Aug. 11 at the Palmer Center for Sustainable Living, will feature everything from art to goats. “It’s like a small county fair, open house, farmers’ market and educational opportunity rolled into one,” said Farm Manager Judson Scott.On the agenda are a petting zoo, old-timey

NRM 102 field trip photos published

2011-08-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

Kimberley Anne Maher returned from the NRM 102: Survey of Field Research and Methods at Toolik Lake course with the following photos:Duke University doctoral student Amanda Koltz explains her research on wolf spiders.Eve Kendrick, an Alabama high school science teacher and NSF Research Experience for Teacher fellow, and Michael Kendrick, University of Alabama doctoral student, assist the class

Geoventure Day set at Denali Education Center

2011-07-27T11:54:00.000-07:00

Kids will learn about compasses and GPS technology during Geoventure Day at Denali Education Center on Friday.Katie Kennedy (pictured at right), who works with the University of Alaska Geography Program, explained it all to me when I ran into her in Nenana the other day.“Participants will learn how to use a compass and topographic map to find their way, how to triangulate, and the difference

Arctic policy under microscope at workshop

2011-07-26T12:46:00.000-07:00

Lt. Gov. Mead Treadwell (left) visits with Ray Arnaudo, U.S. Department of State, and Professor Lawson Brigham on July 25.UAF is hosting experts from 12 nations July 24-27 for a workshop examining international policy issues involving the Arctic Ocean.The workshop, “The Arctic Ocean Beyond National Jurisdiction,” drew about 60 arctic experts and policymakers from around the world.“We will

Public invited to youth gardening celebration

2011-07-26T12:22:00.000-07:00

Jackie Stormer offers a taste of various pestos and vegetablbes to Leigh Anne Cox and Don Leistikow at Calypso's open house. At right is Tom Zimmer of Calypso.Calypso Farm and Ecology Center had a surprise appearance of the New Old Time Chatauqua Circus Sunday during their open house.Attendees were surprised to get a free taste of the traveling circus show but the real mission Sunday was for

SNRAS helps launch childhood obesity research

2011-07-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

SNRAS Associate Professor Bret Luick (pictured at right) recently returned from the First Annual CHL (Children’s Healthy Living) meeting in Honolulu where planning began for a new project aimed at developing childhood obesity-prevention strategies in the Pacific region.The work is funded by $2.9 million subaward to the UAF Cooperative Extension Service, SNRAS and the Center for Alaska Native

The Holy Land: Via Dolorosa, the Stations of the Cross, and the Israel Museum

2011-07-19T15:02:00.000-07:00

Part 1 of Events of Monday, May 30Via Dolorosa in the Old City at dawnThe Via Dolorosa (Latin for ‘Street of Sorrows’). If you walk into any Roman (Latin) Rite Catholic parish church building around the world, you will find a series of 14 places, usually 7 along one wall of the long axis of the church and 7 along the opposite wall, where the key events in Jesus’ Passion (final suffering) and

Field trip focused on soil geography

2011-07-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

Dr. Ping (far left) and students paused for a perfect photo opportunity at the Arctic Circle.Professor Chien-Lu Ping and Research Associate Gray Michaelson conducted another successful field trip class, July 2-12. The Summer Sessions course is titled "Alaska Soil Geography Field Study: Soils Affected by Permafrost."The 12 participants in the class studied permafrost landscape and soils affected

Food production thesis published

2011-07-18T18:04:00.000-07:00

The much anticipated senior thesis written by Charles Caster, a recent SNRAS graduate, has been published. Visit the SNRAS publications page to view the report, or download the PDF file here.Throughout the summer and fall of 2010 Caster surveyed and interviewed farmers in the Tanana Valley to determine their vegetable and fruit production. People were very cooperative and Caster said he enjoyed

SNRAS student takes to the field with high schoolers

2011-07-15T11:26:00.000-07:00

Six students from the Rural Alaska Honors Institute will be living the life of an arctic field scientist at the Institute of Arctic Biology Toolik Field Station on the North Slope next week as part of a special research course hosted by scientists from the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the National Science Foundation’s Arctic Systems Science thermokarst project.“We want to expose high school

SNRAS student's birch work is in statewide art show

2011-07-07T16:27:00.000-07:00

Anyone visiting Homer should plan a visit to the Pratt Museum, where doctoral candidate Kimberley Maher has work in an exhibit titled "Boreal Birch Art and Science in the Northern Forest." The show is on display until Oct. 2.Maher has been collaborating on the exhibit for the past two and a half years with three distinguished Alaska artists, Margo Klass, the late Barry McWayne and Kes Woodward.

Fairbanks Experiment Farm lauded for 100 years of weather observations

2011-07-01T12:44:00.000-07:00

Alan Tonne, Fairbanks Experiment Farm manager, left, and Brad Sipperley at the 100th anniversary celebration June 30.National Weather Service representative Brad Sipperley had nothing but praise for the Fairbanks Experiment Farm at a June 30 celebration marking the 100th year of weather observations at the farm."This is one of the best sites as far as data and being reliable," Sipperley said. "

SNRAS professor to study conservation in Namibia

2011-06-30T16:27:00.000-07:00

SNRAS Associate Professor Susan Todd (pictured at left) will spend the next year researching wildlife conservation in Namibia as a Fulbright scholar. At UAF since 1990, Todd will leave behind the comforts of home and venture to the place noted for being the second least densely populated country in the world (after Mongolia).Todd helped analyze forestry projects in the South Pacific in the early

The Holy Land: "The fifth gospel"

2011-06-30T12:16:00.000-07:00

@font-face { font-family: "Arial"; }@font-face { font-family: "Times"; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 12pt; font-family: "Times New Roman"; }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } Basilica of the Agony. This is a partial quote in Latin from Hebrews 5:7. Words that follow in brackets have been omitted on the inscription compared to the

Weather history at experiment farm

2011-06-28T15:31:00.001-07:00

The sign at the weather observation site at the Fairbanks Experiment Farm.When the 100th anniversary of weather observations in Alaska is celebrated at the Fairbanks Experiment Farm Thursday, a look back at the history of the site will be an important element.Rick Thoman of the National Weather Service sent this information about the history of weather observing in Fairbanks:Weather, being

Farm improvements in process

2011-06-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

The weather observation equipment at the Fairbanks Experiment Farm has received a new look, thanks to the National Weather Service. In preparation for the observance of the 100th anniversary of weather observation at the farm, the NWS helped spruce up the area in front of the farm's visitor center.On June 30 at 1 p.m. a brief ceremony will mark the anniversary. UAF Vice Chancellor Jake Poole will

Temple Grandin wows ACE attendees

2011-06-17T16:57:00.000-07:00

Temple Grandin signs books after her talk on June 11.By Nancy TarnaiI had years of previous work experience alongside people with autism but I didn't have an inkling about how their minds work until I heard Temple Grandin speak at the Association for Communication Excellence conference in Denver June 11.Dr. Grandin, a professor of animal science at Colorado State University, has always had a

Holy Land: Tourism, security, and religion

2011-06-15T12:36:00.000-07:00

Latin Patriarchate Street in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem - sign in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. The Latin or Roman Rite of the Catholic Church, supported by donations from around the world, is a major sponsor of schools, forums for dialog, and charitable activities for all people in the Holy Land. By Professor Glenn JudayEvents of

Staff tour of the Reindeer Research Program

2011-06-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

The UAF Staff Council is pleased to announce our 2011 staff tour of the Reindeer Research Program at the Fairbanks Experiment Farm of the Agricultural & Forestry Experiment Station.This tour will be offered on Thursday, June 16, from 12:10-1:50 p.m. Staff are invited to meet George Aguiar, Research Coordinator with the Reindeer Research Program, at the GBG/AFES Visitor's Center. Please provide

Holy Land: Jerusalem

2011-06-10T14:28:00.000-07:00

Old City of Jerusalem in the strong light of midday, looking east across the Kidron Valley. The gold Dome of the Rock (Muslim ‘Noble Sanctuary’) occupies the former site of the Jewish Temple. By Professor Glenn JudayEvents of Saturday, May 28Our Arab guides say that a pilgrimage group that is rained on during the summer (a rare event) has received a

Time for combing muskoxen hair has passed

2011-06-07T15:42:00.000-07:00

Emma Boone, left, and Jan Rowell remove qiviut from a bull muskox on June 3.June 3 wrapped up the muskoxen combing chores at the UAF Large Animal Research Station. SNRAS Research Assistant Professor Jan Rowell has been studying muskoxen for decades, and was surprised this year by a two-week delay in the normal shedding time.While Rowell isn't sure of the reasons behind the lag she will forge

Holy Land: One pilgrim, one suitcase

2011-06-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

Modern fishing boat on the Sea of Galilee, carrying pilgrims to Capernaum. (Glenn Juday photo)By Professor Glenn JudayWe are up early on Friday morning and we load up the coaches with our luggage for the transfer to the Jerusalem guesthouse tonight. We have been strictly limited to one suitcase. The one-bag limit is because of the limited storage space under the seating area of coaches in Israel.

Log cabin comes together with knowledge and novices

2011-06-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

Valerie Barber and Robert Chambers at the construction site.Robert Chambers at left, a student at right.Students came from nearly all corners of the world to help build a log cabin at the Matanuska Experiment Farm in Palmer from mid to late May.Renowned instructor Robert Chambers was the magnet that drew the visitors, said Assistant Professor Valerie Barber, workshop organizer. “Robert is a great

Holy Land tour: Cana to Mt. Tabor

2011-06-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

Basilica Church of the Annunciation, largest church in the Middle East. (Glenn Juday photo)By Professor Glenn JudayFighting my body clock that has reversed night and day, I take an early stroll in the cool of the pre-dawn darkness. I ask the owner of the Ron Beach Hotel the origin of the name of his hotel. He said that Ron is the Hebrew word for “happy” and that he and his brother Aaron were

Holy Land tour marches on

2011-06-03T16:08:00.000-07:00

Niche for a statue of the Pan, pagan god of shepherds and forest,Hermon National Park, Golan Heights. (Glenn Juday photo)By Professor Glenn JudayHermon National Park (Banias) at Caesarea PhilippiWe load up the coach and head north into the Golan Heights – territory that came into Syrian possession at the end of the British mandate in Palestine (1949 armistice line), and then was captured by the

Holy Land: On to Nazareth

2011-06-03T15:52:00.000-07:00

Priests kiss the altar to start mass at Mount of the Beatitudes. (Glenn Juday photo)Sunrise over the Sea of Galilee (Glenn Juday photo)By Professor Glenn JudayTuesday, May 24As we gather at the Tel Aviv airport baggage claim area to meet our guides, our pilgrimage group assembles for the first time. We learn that the missing 15 pilgrims whose flights were delayed by weather include Fr. Joseph,

Scouts help plant new OneTree common garden

2011-06-03T15:16:00.000-07:00

Scouts from Troop 92 and their leaders planted birch saplings for the OneTree project June 2.OneTree, a SNRAS forest sciences project that has involved thousands of school children in learning about the science and art of birch trees, added Boy Scouts to the mix June 2.After learning of the project at an Arbor Day Committee meeting, the Scouts volunteered to assist in planting birch saplings in

SNRAS professor shares Holy Land pilgrimage

2011-06-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

By Professor Glenn JudayTravel and tourism is a major, and in many ways, growing component of natural resources management. Interestingly, the deepest roots of tourism are found in pilgrimages, or organized mass movements of people to sacred or holy sites. The very term “recreation” grew out of the concept of re- creation or the restorative effects of a period of time away from ordinary

UAF forms partnership with Institute of the North

2011-06-01T14:27:00.000-07:00

A new alliance between the University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Anchorage-based Institute of the North will create a unified forum for addressing arctic policy, infrastructure and climate change issues.A recently signed memorandum marks the first step in a long-term collaboration between the two organizations. As part of this partnership, the institute and university will organize several

MapTEACH: Merging science and traditional knowledge to teach children about the land

2011-05-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

Sam Barney and his Huslia students study erosion by using maps and air photos of the Koyukuk to create a model for erosion studies. (Previous MapTEACH workshop)Life jackets? Check. First aid kits? Check? Mosquito repellent? Double check!The MapTEACH camp on the river begins May 22 at Manley Hot Springs and will travel the waterways for five days. Participants will explore the local environment,

Campus sustainability has roots in SNRAS

2011-05-20T11:59:00.000-07:00

Michele Hebert led a workshop at Staff Appreciation Day.At UAF Staff Appreciation Day May 19, Michele Hebert, UAF Office of Sustainability director, credited SNRAS with pioneering the sustainability movement on campus, specifically Associate Professor Susan Todd and her students.The fairly new office was put in place because students wanted the campus to become more sustainable. They voted to

Log cabin workshop kicks off in Palmer

2011-05-18T14:47:00.000-07:00

This is the cabin built last year; the new one will have a different look due to the cottonwood logs.Students are learning to build a log cabin at the Matanuska Experiment Farm this week and next. For a change, Assistant Professor Valerie Barber will use cottonwood for the 16x20 cabin. The building will stay at the farm and be used as a visitors' center near the soccer fields and golf area.The

How much land will burn this summer?

2011-05-17T14:48:00.000-07:00

Fire predictions for this summer have been released by the Alaska Fire Science Consortium. The median forecast for the 2011 season is 1,522,000 acres.As of May 14, 881 acres have burned. There is a 1 percent chance that less than 500,000 acres will burn. There is a 48 percent chance that between 500,000 and 1.5 million acres will burn and a 51 percent chance that more than 1.5 million acres will

Congratulations graduates!

2011-05-16T12:14:00.000-07:00

SNRAS graduates gathered under the guidance of Associate Professor Mingchu Zhang (at left) just prior to commencement on Sunday, May 15 at the Carlson Center.Congratulations to SNRAS students who graduated May 15 in Fairbanks.Baccalaureate degrees:Adrian Baier, B.A. Geography, B.S. Geography, Environmental StudiesTaylor Beard, B.S. Natural Resources Management: Plant, Animal and soil Sciences.

SNRAS/CES team goes a mile (or three) for Heart Walk

2011-05-16T11:51:00.001-07:00

The SNRAS/CES Heart Walk Team raised $3,235 for the American Heart Association in a fundraising walk Saturday, May 14. Heart Walk Chair Dawniel Dupee thanks all the walkers and donors for helping make this a huge success.

Arbor Day: a good time to plant a tree

2011-05-13T17:50:00.000-07:00

From left volunteers Jacqulyn Smith, John Alden and Whitney Junker plant a tree in honor of Arbor Day.Arbor Day was celebrated at UAF May 13 with the planting of a chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) tree near the Lola Tilly Commons.The Resource Management Society, a student club focused on natural resources management, purchased the tree and volunteers planted it. Arbor Day has been celebrated in

SNRAS staffer looks forward to non-retirement after 40 years in Forest Soils Lab

2011-05-10T12:27:00.001-07:00

Lola Oliver at work in the Forest Soils Lab.Over the past 40 years, Lola Oliver has seen many changes, but one thing has remained the same, her place of employment, UAF.As supervisor of the Forest Soils Lab, Oliver tests soil and plant samples, processes them, prepares them for chemical or physical analysis, stores them and manages data.“I love the work,” Oliver said. “It changes constantly.

Food systems course: a typology of organic agriculture

2011-05-10T11:29:00.000-07:00

For my Comparative Farming and Sustainable Food Systems class, we were given an assignment in which we were to either a) examine USDA organic certification, or b) create a typology of organic agriculture. I chose the latter.Organic agriculture comes in many stripes and emphases. There's agroecological farming, agroforestry and forest gardening (slightly different), biodynamics, permaculture,

UAF offers Peace Corps Fellows graduate study opportunities

2011-05-05T10:17:00.000-07:00

The University of Alaska Fairbanks and the Peace Corps have teamed up to launch a new Fellows/USA program, a partnership which provides graduate school scholarships to returned Peace Corps volunteers. Selected fellows will be able to choose one of three master’s programs: natural resources management, rural development, and natural resources management and geography. SNRAS and the Department of