Palmer workshop to teach educators about soil science
Julie Stricker
907-474-5406
June 2, 2026
The Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center will host a day-long soil science workshop on Monday, June 8.
Caley Gasch, a soil scientist with the UAF Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension, explains the properties of field soil in Palmer. Gasch will lead a presentation during the workshop.
The workshop, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., is geared toward formal and informal adult educators, homeschool parents, librarians, gardeners, backyard farmers and others who are interested in soil health. It is a collaboration between Project Learning Tree, the University of Alaska Fairbanks Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension, the Wasilla Soil and Water Conservation District and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The workshop will connect educators with the National Association of Conservation District's "Soil. Where it all Begins" stewardship campaign and materials. Teachers can also earn continuing education credits.
Attendees will receive Project Learning Tree's award-winning activity book and materials. If they bring a soil sample, they will also receive a free soil test through the Wasilla Soil and Water Conservation District.
The workshop will be at the Matanuska Experiment Farm and Extension Center, 1509 S. Georgeson Drive, Palmer.
It is free for Alaska Natural Resource and Outdoor Education members. The cost for nonmembers is $20, which includes lunch, the activity book and soil test. Registration information is available on the .
For more information, contact Melissa Clampitt at mrclampitt@alaska.edu or 907-745-3551.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Alda Norris at amnorris2@alaska.edu or 907-474-7120. 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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