AVÀÇÂÛ̳ Harvest Collaborative
Come Grow With Us!
The AVÀÇÂÛ̳ Harvest Collaborative (AHC) seeks to:
- Create opportunities for work skills development and experiential learning
- Teach community members how to grow and prepare fresh, local food
- Empower people to participate in their local food system
- Enable healthy life choices by all AVÀÇÂÛ̳ns
- Build community around food systems
The AVÀÇÂÛ̳ Harvest Collaborative is impacting OUR community:
- Provides community learning garden spaces at the UAF Experiment Farm
- Annually donates over 5,000 pounds of locally produced, healthy food to the Food Bank, Breadline, and other organizations dedicated to addressing food insecurity in Fairbanks.
Mallory Smith is the garden manager for the AVÀÇÂÛ̳ Harvest Collaborative, where she mentors students in the experiential learning garden located at the UAF Experiment Farm on Troth Yeddha Campus. Mallory has more than 15 seasons of experience growing fruits and vegetables in northern climates and working in the local food movement.
"Reindeer Garden" @ UAF Experiment Farm
Dig In: Growing your own garden with confidence
Wednesday, June 4, 5-7 p.m.
Meet at the entrance to the Georgeson Botanical Garden
Ready to take control of your food and grow your own garden this year?
Whether you're a seasoned gardener looking for fresh ideas or a complete beginner ready to dig in, this workshop with Mallory will give you the tools you need to succeed!
In this hands-on session, you'll discover:
-Where to grow your plants – Explore all the creative ways to cultivate, from raised beds to containers and beyond.
-Soil prep & fertility – Learn the secrets to healthy, nutrient-rich soil that will give your plants the best start possible.
-Transplanting vs. Direct Seeding – Understand when to start from seed and when it’s
better to plant seedlings.
-Irrigation setup – Master easy, efficient watering techniques that will save you
time and help your garden thrive.
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Cathy Turner at clturner@alaska.edu, 907-799-9184. 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.
Join us for a fun, informative session and get ready to grow your own fresh, delicious food – right in your own backyard!
Herb-Infused Luxury: DIY Lip Balms and Salves
Wednesday, July 16, 5-7 p.m.
Meet at the entrance to the Georgeson Botanical Garden
Unleash your inner alchemist and discover the art of crafting luxurious, personalized
lip balms and salves in this hands-on workshop. Learn from Mallory Smith as you select
and harvest herbs fresh from the garden then blend with soothing butters and protective
waxes to create custom blends tailored to your preference. All materials are provided,
so you take your own handcrafted products home with you.
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Cathy Turner at clturner@alaska.edu, 907-799-9184. 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.
The Harvest: Tools, techniques, and tasty veggies
Meet at the entrance to the Georgeson Botanical Garden
Wednesday, Aug. 6, 5–7pm
Your garden is overflowing with bounty—now it’s time to harvest the rewards of all your hard work! Join Mallory Smith for a hands-on class at the UAF Farm's Reindeer Garden and dive into the art of harvesting!
Whether you’re new to the process or looking to perfect your technique, this class will guide you every step of the way.
In this session, you'll explore:
-Understanding vegetable growth – Get familiar with how different veggies grow, so you know exactly when they’re ready to be harvested.
-Introduction to harvesting tools – Learn about the right tools to make harvesting easy, efficient, and fun.
-When and how to harvest – Master the timing and techniques to get the best flavor and longest shelf life from your crops.
-Q&A for home garden concerns – Bring your questions and get expert advice on any gardening challenges you're facing!
Come ready to roll up your sleeves, harvest fresh produce, and take home new skills
to enhance your gardening journey!
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Cathy Turner at clturner@alaska.edu, 907-799-9184. 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.
Unlock the Ancient Art of Lacto-Fermentation: A Hands-On Workshop
Wednesday, Aug. 27, 5-7 p.m.
Meet at the entrance to the Georgeson Botanical Garden
For centuries, cultures around the world have used lacto-fermentation to preserve the bounty of their gardens and enhance the flavor and nutritional value of their produce. Now, you can learn this time-honored technique and bring it into your own kitchen! Join Mallory Smith for a fun and interactive workshop where you’ll discover how simple it is to ferment your favorite vegetables and fruits.
In this hands-on class, you’ll learn how to transform fresh, local produce into delicious,
probiotic-rich foods using just a few kitchen essentials. Best of all, you’ll leave
with your very own jar of mouthwatering lacto-fermented veggies to enjoy at home.
Whether you’re new to fermentation or looking to expand your skills, this workshop
will give you the knowledge and confidence to start your own fermentation journey!
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Cathy Turner at clturner@alaska.edu, 907-799-9184. 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.
Transform Your Garden with the Power of Composting
Wednesday, Sept. 17, 4-6 p.m.
Meet at the entrance to the Georgeson Botanical Garden
Turn kitchen scraps and garden waste into rich, nutrient-packed soil that will help your garden thrive. Join us for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn the essentials of garden composting—from the basics of balancing green and brown materials to creating and mixing the perfect compost pile.
Led by Mallory Smith, this workshop will guide you step-by-step through the process
of turning organic waste into black gold. Whether you’re looking to improve your soil
health, reduce waste, or make your garden more sustainable, this class will equip
you with the tools and knowledge you need.
Accommodation requests related to a disability should be made five business days in advance to Cathy Turner at clturner@alaska.edu, 907-799-9184. 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.
