A seminar scheduled for February 10 will focus on the role of the Georgeson Botanical Garden in supporting food security in Alaska. The presentation, led by Lacey Higham, directing manager of the garden, is part of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Institute of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Extension (IANRE) series titled “Circumpolar Connections: A Dialogue on Arctic Food Systems.”
The event will take place from noon to 1 p.m. in the Elvey Building Globe Room at UAF and will also be available via Zoom. Registration is required and can be completed at https://bit.ly/CircumpolarConnections. Those who register will receive access to a recording of the presentation.
The Georgeson Botanical Garden operates as part of the Fairbanks Experiment Farm, which was founded in 1906 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate Alaska’s agricultural possibilities. The farm is now owned by UAF and serves as a site for research as well as community education and engagement.
During her talk, Higham plans to present examples illustrating how the botanical garden has contributed to cultivating and distributing food, introducing new crops, and involving local residents. She aims to foster additional partnerships with researchers, organizations, and members of the community.
According to IANRE, “IANRE hosts the monthly ‘Circumpolar Connections’ seminar series, with short presentations followed by open discussion to encourage audience participation and interdisciplinary connection.” More information about this ongoing series can be found at https://bit.ly/FoodSystemSeminar.
Individuals requiring accommodations due to disability are advised to contact Alda Norris at amnorris2@alaska.edu or 907-474-7120 five business days prior to the event. Language access services are available free of charge upon request for those with limited English proficiency.
