The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service offers educational resources for Alaska homeowners, gardeners, farmers, and land managers.
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About the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service (UAF CES) is the only cooperative extension service operating in Alaska, serving a state that spans more than 663,000 square miles across arctic, subarctic, boreal, and maritime environments. Through offices located in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, Kenai, Mat-Su, and several rural communities, UAF CES delivers research-based education and outreach to residents throughout one of the most geographically diverse regions in the United States.
Because of Alaska’s remote communities, extreme weather conditions, short growing seasons, and unique ecosystems, UAF CES has developed highly specialized programs that address the state’s distinct agricultural, environmental, and community needs.
Core Services Offered by UAF CES
The University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service provides educational programs and technical assistance across a broad range of topics relevant to Alaska residents.
Agriculture and Food Production
Agriculture in Alaska presents unique challenges due to short growing seasons, cool temperatures, and variable soils. UAF CES helps growers improve productivity through research-based recommendations and educational programs.
- Crop production guidance
- Soil testing and fertility recommendations
- Crop variety trials
- Season-extension techniques
- Greenhouse production support
- Small-scale livestock management
Extension specialists provide guidance on the use of high tunnels, cold frames, row covers, and other techniques that allow Alaskan growers to maximize food production during the limited growing season.
Horticulture and Home Gardening
Home gardeners and commercial horticultural producers can access information tailored specifically to Alaska’s climate and growing conditions.
- Plant selection recommendations
- Soil improvement techniques
- Garden pest management
- Plant disease diagnosis
- Landscape maintenance
- Vegetable production guidance
Natural Resources and Environmental Stewardship
Natural resource management is a major focus of UAF CES programming. Specialists work with communities, landowners, and resource managers to promote sustainable management practices.
- Forestry management
- Wildlife habitat conservation
- Watershed protection
- Fisheries education
- Environmental stewardship programs
- Land management planning
4-H Youth Development
The Alaska 4-H program serves youth throughout both rural and urban communities. Programs emphasize:
- Natural sciences
- Leadership development
- Animal husbandry
- Outdoor education
- Community engagement
Food Safety and Preservation
Food preservation and subsistence harvesting play an important role in many Alaskan communities. UAF CES provides educational resources on:
- Safe food preservation
- Canning techniques
- Wild game processing
- Fish preservation
- Berry harvesting and storage
- Food safety best practices
Pest Pressures and Challenges in Alaska
Alaska’s pest landscape differs significantly from that of the contiguous United States. Extreme cold temperatures historically limited many pest species, but changing climate conditions are creating new pest management challenges throughout the state.
Spruce Bark Beetles
The Spruce Bark Beetle (Dendroctonus rufipennis) has caused one of the largest insect-driven tree mortality events in North American history.
Beginning in the 1990s, warmer and drier conditions contributed to massive bark beetle outbreaks across the Kenai Peninsula and Southcentral Alaska. Millions of acres of white spruce forests experienced significant mortality, dramatically altering forest ecosystems and increasing wildfire risks.
UAF CES works with landowners, foresters, and natural resource agencies to:
- Identify outbreak areas
- Monitor beetle populations
- Assess forest health risks
- Develop management strategies
- Support reforestation efforts
Forest Defoliators
Several other forest pests periodically reach damaging population levels in Alaska.
Important forest defoliators include:
- Spruce Budworm
- Alder Leaf Roller
- Various native caterpillar species
These insects can weaken trees, reduce growth, and increase vulnerability to disease, drought, and wildfire.
Agricultural Pests
Although Alaska has a relatively short growing season, growers still contend with a variety of insect pests that affect vegetables and specialty crops.
Common agricultural pests include:
- Striped Flea Beetles
- Aphids
- Cutworms
- Wireworms
These pests can damage brassicas, root vegetables, transplants, and greenhouse crops throughout the state.
Invasive Species
Preventing invasive species introductions is a major priority in Alaska due to the vulnerability of native ecosystems.
Extension specialists monitor and educate the public about potential threats including:
- European Bark Beetles
- Asian Longhorned Beetles
- Wood-boring invasive insects
- Non-native aquatic plants
- Aquatic invasive species
Early detection and rapid response efforts are critical for protecting Alaska’s forests, waterways, and natural habitats.
Aquatic Invasive Species
One of the most significant aquatic invasive concerns is Elodea (Elodea canadensis), which has established populations in several Southcentral Alaska lakes and waterways.
Elodea can:
- Disrupt native aquatic ecosystems
- Reduce habitat quality
- Interfere with fisheries
- Impact recreational activities
- Threaten salmon habitat
Climate Change and Emerging Pest Threats
Climate warming is rapidly changing Alaska’s pest landscape.
Milder winters and longer growing seasons are allowing species that were previously excluded by extreme cold to expand their ranges northward. Researchers and Extension specialists continue monitoring these shifts and developing management recommendations to address emerging pest threats.
Educational Publications and Resources
UAF CES produces a wide variety of Alaska-specific educational materials covering agriculture, gardening, forestry, pest management, and environmental stewardship.
Popular Resources Include:
- Forest health publications
- Pest identification guides
- Gardening manuals
- Crop production recommendations
- Seasonal pest alerts
- Disease forecasting information
Many resources are available online and are updated regularly to reflect current research and field observations.
Alaska Master Gardener Program
The Alaska Master Gardener Program trains volunteers to assist homeowners and gardeners throughout the state.
Master Gardeners help educate the public on:
- Pest identification
- Plant selection
- Garden management
- Soil improvement
- Vegetable production
- Sustainable gardening practices
Forest Health Monitoring and Pest Alerts
UAF CES works closely with state and federal agencies to monitor forest health conditions and emerging pest threats.
Seasonal alerts and outbreak reports help landowners and resource managers stay informed about:
- Bark beetle activity
- Defoliator outbreaks
- Disease concerns
- Invasive species detections
- Forest management recommendations
Contact the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service
Whether you need help identifying a pest, managing a garden, improving crop production, or protecting natural resources, UAF CES provides access to research-based information and local expertise throughout Alaska.
Residents can contact their local Extension office or visit the UAF Cooperative Extension Service website to access publications, educational programs, diagnostic assistance, and expert guidance tailored to Alaska’s unique conditions.
Pest Control and IPM Help in Alaska
Alaska Extension resources can help with cold-climate pests, greenhouse insects, garden pests, invasive species, wildlife issues, and plant health problems.