Published Jun 6, 2024 by Jeff Lowenfels

Growing wildflowers is somewhat beyond the coverage of this column. Collecting them is too. That is where Patricia Holloway and Virginia Gauss come into the story. Their book, “Wildflowers for Northern Gardens,” is the answer. Look for it at the Alaska Botanical Garden in Anchorage or the Georgeson Botanical Garden in Fairbanks before resorting to Amazon.

If anyone can tell us how to grow native plants at home, it is these two. Pat taught horticulture at the University of Alaska Fairbanks for some 30 years, and Virginia is probably more responsible than anyone for starting the Georgeson.

Collecting wild plants can be difficult and, worse, damaging. That means growing many plants from seed. However, there are no spring seed racks for these. The team reveals how and when to collect seed. Then they tell you how to clean and use the seed. Readers find out which seeds need to be “stratified” — exposed to cold temperatures — for a set period or need to have the seed coat “chipped” so water can get in.

Sometimes it is perfectly OK, however, to dig up a living plant instead of resorting to seed collection. When? And which plants can be propagated by taking a stem-cutting and what time of year should you be taking a cutting? Hey, the authors even discuss how to keep your cuttings alive while finishing your hike!

You can’t stick most wildflowers into your garden beds and expect results. There is a need to create the right habitat and introduce the proper microbiome for the plants you want to grow. You need to know if the plants are perennials or self-seeding annuals. 

Published Jun 6, 2024 by Juliana Wheeler

NATO’s expansion to the north has highlighted the importance of the Arctic region – and, by extension, Alaska – on the global stage. The resulting growth of defense spending is being felt in Alaska’s economy and is spurring interest in security innovations including satellite, data and weapons systems. Companies working in these areas are becoming more connected to Alaska, and are increasingly interested in work being done by the Ted Stevens Center. While the organization is relatively new, it is becoming more influential among Alaska’s professional community.

Operational since August 2022, the Ted Stevens Center is one of the U.S. Department of Defense’s six regional centers, each of which develops and strengthens security cooperation with U.S. allies and partners in their respective locations.

The TSC resides on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. It is developing a network of civilian and military security focused practitioners by promoting understanding and providing collaborative security solutions for the Arctic region. It does this through research, publications, education and events. Representatives from the center are also visibly in attendance at Arctic conferences and gatherings in locations such as Reykjavik and Tromsö.

Local observers in Alaska credit Maj. General Kee with bringing together people from the business community and the military community – both in his responsibility at the Stevens Center and in his former role as head of the Department of Homeland Security sponsored Arctic Domain Awareness Center at the University of Alaska Anchorage. Business investors, civic and military leaders have common aspirations to fill infrastructure gaps in the Arctic region. Kee has helped convene leaders to discuss how and whether there is a way for the two groups to work closely together to achieve their mutual objectives in the region. By bringing these communities together, their mutual objectives have a greater chance of being delivered.

Published Jun 6, 2024 by Staff report

The University of Alaska Fairbanks launches the Fairbanks Tall Timbers interview series on June 10.

The nine-week series, presented by UAF Summer Sessions and Lifelong Learning, honors people who have served the Fairbanks community. Veteran journalist Robert Hannon will lead the weekly discussions at 7 p.m. on Mondays at the BP Design Theater, located on the fourth floor of the Usibelli Building.

Honorees in the 2024 Tall Timber series include:

• June 10: Jack Wilbur
• June 17: Samantha Kirstein
• June 24: John Manthei
• July 8: Greg Hill
• July 15: Jennifer Jolis
• July 22: Susan Henrichs
• July 29: Roger Brunner
• Aug. 5: Wendy Dominique
• Aug. 12: George Rydlinski