Learn about the boreal forest from forester Glen Holt

Take a walk in the woods with forester Glen Holt on Saturday, July 23, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Ballaine Lake on Farmers Loop. Holt, a forester with the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service, will lead the walk into Interior Alaska’s boreal forest.

Along the way, Holt will identify common trees and shrubs, and discuss small woodlot forest management, basic boreal forest biology, common insect pests and diseases, and which trees to cut during forest improvement. He also will outline the principles of wildfire defensible space. Participants will measure tree diameter and height, and bore into a few trees to determine their age and growth relationships within the forest. 

The interactive walk will answer questions people have about managing forested areas or large wooded yards to enhance their trees for a variety of objectives.

Participants must be over the age of 12 and be able to walk a half-mile on a trail. No dogs, please. Participants will receive the Alaska Firewise publication, a guide on safe tree cutting, and a brochure on the Forest Stewardship Program.

Bring rain gear, rubber boots, drinking water and insect repellent. Meet in the parking lot by the lake by 9:45 a.m.

To sign up, visit https://bit.ly/BorealWalk.

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