Southeast Alaska is defined by the waters, islands, resources and people of the Inside Passage. Fjords, waterfalls, lakes, mountains, and glaciers shape landscapes that are rich with fish, minerals, forests, scenic beauty, and wildlife. For thousands of years, adventurous, capable people have made a successful living in this bountiful region, but there are always unique challenges requiring creative solutions.

To help people meet challenges and create lasting solutions, the Juneau staff and agents offer programs throughout Southeast Alaska. We are constantly working to “take the University to the people” and engage with the people of Southeast to identify and meet the needs of our many and diverse communities.

Extension will host a certified food protection manager training on Tuesday, Oct. 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Training will be offered in Juneau via videoconference at the UAS Egan Library 104 Media Room and in Sitka at the UAS Campus, Room 106.

You can register for the certified food protection manager workshop here. The registration deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 20. The cost for the class is $200, which includes the class, study guide and one proctored test. For more information, please contact Julie Cascio at 907-745-3360 or jmcascio@alaska.edu.

Dial gauges on pressure canners need to be tested for accuracy every year. This free service is offered at the Juneau Extension office. You don't have to bring your whole canner in, but the gauge can still be attached to your lid. Please call ahead to ensure someone is in to test your gauge, 523-3280 or you're welcome to drop it off and pick it up at a later date/time. 

Our very own Juneau District agents, Darren Snyder and Sarah Lewis have written a publication on Growing Great Brassicas in Alaska! Brassicas belong to a large, well-known and important family (Brassicaceae) of cultivated plants that are excellent for Alaska growing conditions. Many gardeners and commercial growers appreciate them for their excellent nutritional value and because they grow well in the cool (average temperature in the 60s), long days of Alaska’s short summer season. To learn more about Brassicas click here for the publication or stop by the office to pick up a copy!

Research shows that helping kids have fun with vegies, even ones they say "eeewww" to, increases the chance they'll try and like then as they get older. For this reason, our very own Sarah Lewis, Family and Community Development Agent for Southeast Alaska, has written a publication to introduce kale to kids. Time for a Kale-abration offers simple and tasty recipes that can be cooked with or by kids, with a menu for a kale-themed party. Sarah has held kale-abrations with 4-H kids and Girl Scouts throughout Southeast Alaska, and now you can have a kale party with your kids, class, or youth group, too!

Coming soon: The Alaska Kids' Healthy Harvest Cookbook!

Extension is excited to announce our newest publication, An Alaska Herb Garden. A must-have for herb enthusiasts, this 74-page guide has sections on cultivating, harvesting, storing and using herbs as well as color photographs to help with identification. A useful recipe index helps you find different types of recipes or recipes that feature a specific herb. Pick up this $15 publication at our Juneau District Office, or at any of our district offices or by calling 877-520-5211.