ÐÔÓûÉç

Workshops to cover vegetable storage, greenhouse energy, accessibility

ÐÔÓûÉç Cooperative Extension Service agent and energy specialist Art Nash will guide a series of free workshops this month in Parks Highway communities on ways to keep produce fresh longer, commercial and residential energy options for greenhouses, and accessibility for farmers and gardeners with disabilities.

With supply chain shortages and shifting climates, good produce storage and infrastructure that promotes fresh produce appearances, taste and nutrition have become important topics.  Agricultural engineer Scott Sanford, a University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension emeritus, will discuss options for root cellars and thermally controlled trailers.  

Sanford and Nash also will talk about ways to extend the growing season using passive solar heat and other energy solutions for greenhouses. Leslie Shallcross, a ÐÔÓûÉç Extension health, home and family development agent, will share how the USDA’s AgrAbility program can help forestry and agricultural workers with disabilities or age-related conditions continue to thrive. 

The workshops are open to the public.  

• Ester — June 22, 3-8 p.m., Ester Volunteer Fire Department, 3570 Old Nenana Highway
• Nenana — June 23, 3-8 p.m., Nenana Student Living Center, 610 E. 6th St.
• Healy — June 24, 3-8 p.m., Tri-Valley Volunteer Fire Department, 0.5 Healy Spur Road
• Talkeetna — June 25, 3-8 p.m., Denali Education Center, 22510 Talkeetna Spur Road
• For more information, contact Nash at alnashjr@alaska.edu or 907-474-6366.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Nash. Language access services, such as interpretation or translation of vital information, will be provided free of charge to individuals with limited English proficiency upon request to amnorris2@alaska.edu.

This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

300-25