The University of Alaska Fairbanks Tribes Extension program and the Rural Alaska Community Action Program are sponsoring berry-related workshops in Bethel and Aniak in August.
Led by Tribes Extension educator Heidi Rader and Chugiak berry grower Josh Smith, the workshops will be held in Bethel on Aug. 2, and in Aniak on Aug. 3-4.
Rader will lead off the workshops on Aug. 2 at 4 p.m. at Yupiit Piciryarait Cultural Center, 420 Chief Eddie Hoffman Highway, Bethel, with a presentation on growing and managing berries. At 5 p.m., Smith will discuss propagating berries and growing native berries such as nagoonberries, cloudberries, high-bush cranberries and blueberries.
In Aniak, workshops will run from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and include classes for youths on identifying and tasting berries and making jam at Aniak Community Hall, 1 Community Hall Road.
Workshops on Thursday, Aug. 4, also run from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
All youths must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The workshops are free. Registration is requested at https://bit.ly/AllAboutBerries to ensure there will be enough supplies on hand.
For more information, contact Rader at hbrader@alaska.edu or 907-474-6620.
