Monthly Extension series in Palmer begins with birch tapping

March 8, 2018

Marmian Grimes

The Palmer Cooperative Extension office will host free classes on the third Thursday of every month, beginning with birch tapping basics on March 15.

UAF photo by Todd Paris. Nicole Dunham checks a spout, or spile, from a birch tree on the Fairbanks campus in 2016.
UAF photo by Todd Paris. Nicole Dunham checks a spout, or spile, from a birch tree on the Fairbanks campus in 2016.


Palmer Extension agent Julie Cascio will talk about how and when to tap birch trees, the nutrients in sap, ways to use sap, and the principles of making birch syrup. This class and others in the Third Thursdays with Extension series will meet at 6 p.m. in Room 208 of Kerttula Hall at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center, 1519 S. Georgeson Drive.

The series is scheduled through December. Upcoming topics will include garden soil essentials, April 19; raised garden beds and container gardening, May 17; and garden pests on June 21. Other subjects will include Alaska wild berries, artificial insemination, beekeeping, money-saving energy tips and healthy food options.

Although the classes are free, registration is recommended. Registration is available by calling the district office of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service at 907-745-3360.