Build a garden for native pollinators in Delta Junction workshop

Build a garden for native pollinators in Delta Junction workshop

Get hands-on experience propagating native species and learn how to create a thriving community of nectar-rich native plants in a free in-person workshop in Delta Junction.

The workshop is hosted by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service in conjunction with the Salcha-Delta Soil & Water Conservation District and Partners for Progress in Delta.

Alex Wenninger, an entomologist and integrated pest management specialist with Cooperative Extension, and Summer Nay, with the conservation district, will discuss the benefits of planting and landscaping with native plants. Native species are adapted to the local climate and have better survival and growth than most exotic species. Recent research by Wenninger suggests that pollinators prefer native flowering plants over imported, invasive varieties.

They will focus on how to provide pollinators with a range of the plants they prefer, how to recognize pollinators and their favorite native plants and how to find the best locations and soils to allow them to prosper.

The workshop is Saturday, May 17, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. It will begin in the classroom at the Delta Career Advancement Center, 1696 N. Clearwater Ave., Delta Junction, and move (weather permitting) to the Salcha-Delta Soil & Water Conservation District native plant propagation center. Participants can take home what they sow or transplant to get a start on a native plant garden bed.

Dress warmly, as May weather can be unpredictable. Bring your lunch and gardening gloves. All other materials will be provided.

Class registration is required. Space is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, contact Chris Lyon at info@deltacareeradvancementcenter.com or call 907-895-4605.

Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Eve Karczmarczyk at eekarczmarczyk@alaska.eduor 907-895-4210. 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.

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