The Kenai Peninsula Borough lies directly south of Anchorage, the state’s largest population center.  Covering approximately 25,000 square miles of which 15,700 are land, we are bordered by the waters of the Gulf of Alaska and Prince William Sound, home to the Chigmit and Kenai Mountains with forests, lakes and glaciers. Our diverse economy includes oil and gas industries, commercial fishing and tourism.

We encourage all to stop by for a visit when you are in the area.

Sustainable Agriculture Conference, 14th Annual, Nov. 4-8

Join us in Anchorage!  November 4-8 at the BP Energy Center and Residence Inn

This year’s conference will feature a Plenary Session and Technical Sessions the first day of the conference (Monday November 5th), followed by symposia and technical sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Topics covered during the conference range from climate updates and seaweed farming to livestock production and rhodiola growing. On Sunday November 4, there will be a Pre-Conference Produce Safety Training Workshop hosted in cooperation with the Department of Environmental Conservation. Later, on Thursday November 8th, there will be a Post-Conference Ag in the Classroom Workshop.  Participants can select how many days of the conference they would like to attend and whether or not they would like to attend the Pre- or Post-Conference Workshop.

Registration Link - http://bit.ly/AKAGConference14

Early-bird Registration Fee for all three days of the conference is $125.

Early-bird Registration Fee for one day is $50.

The last day for early-bird registration fees will end on October 28.  Conference fees can be refunded in full through October 28. Beginning on Monday October 29, the registration fee will increase by $25 per person.

Soil Testing

Understanding what nutrients are available in your soil for your plants is needed in order to supply your garden with the building blocks to promote healthy and vigorous growth.  Taking a soil sample and analyzing a soil test is the only way to know what nutrients are in your soil and how much fertilizer to apply to your garden. Review the documents below for more information on taking a soil sample, testing, and interpreting your results.

• Factors to Consider in Selecting a Soil Testing Laboratory
• Soil Sampling
• Soil Test Calculator
• Soil Test Interpretation

Pressure Canner Gauge Testing

Dial gauges on pressure canners need to be tested for accuracy every year. This free service is offered at the Kenai Peninsula Extension office. You don't have to bring your whole canner in, but the gauge can still be attached to your lid. Please call ahead to ensure someone is in to test your gauge, 262-5824 or you're welcome to drop it off and pick it up at a later date/time.  

Spruce Needle Rust

Are you finding masses of orange spores appearing on the needles of your spruce tree?  If you are, your tree may have spruce needle rust.  Please follow the link below to learn more about this fungus.  

Spruce Needle Rust - Forest Service - USDA

Spruce Bark Beetles: What you need to know 

Spruce Needle Aphid on the Peninsula

Across the southern Kenai Peninsula many trees both young and old are becoming infested with a pest new to our area, the Spruce Needle Aphid, Elatobium abietinum.

Found in coastal communities, you can see the damage to trees of all ages by the browning and dropping of the needles from the trunk outward. Early inspection is ideal since these pest feed on the needles as early as February or March. Click here for more info