If you are driving around Homer, you definitely cannot miss them! π Loose domestic rabbits are grazing on spring grass all over the city, from the high school to the public library. π« While some residents think they are adorable, others are dealing with a total menace to their gardens and landscaping. π₯ Homer Animal Shelter director Jillian Rogers reports that this is a major boom year for the bunnies, but feral rabbits have actually been an issue in Alaska for quite some time. ποΈ Local wildlife biologists note that a mild winter with less snow allowed more rabbits to survive into the spring, and because they can breed every thirty days, the population is exploding! π Unlike native snowshoe hares, these are domesticated European rabbits that were either let loose or escaped. πͺ They can attract dangerous predators like coyotes, wolves, and bears into city neighborhoods, and they risk spreading diseases to native wildlife. π» State regulations classify these rabbits as exotic wildlife, making it illegal to release them into the wild or feed them in your yard. π While residents can borrow live traps from the local fish and game office to catch nuisance bunnies on their property, it is strictly illegal to relocate and release them elsewhere. π« Since the shelter can only take in friendly, adoptable pet bunnies, locals are largely left to safeguard their properties with fencing. π§ Read the full story on how the community is handling the bunny boom here: #HomerAlaska#BunnyBoom#feralrabbits#alaskawildlife#homernews#CommunityUpdate#alaskalife#homerrabbits... See MoreSee Less
By Jacqueline McDonough For the Homer Independent Press Whether you are passing by the high school, the library or even the hospital, you canβt miss them: loose domestic rabbits grazing on spring gβ...
Congratulations to the Kachemak Bay Campus class of 2026! π Nearly 60 incredible students celebrated their graduation at the commencement ceremony held right here on campus in Homer. ποΈ The evening was filled with cheers, family, and inspiring words, kicking off with a warm address from University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor Cheryl Siemers, who urged the graduates to dream big and give back to their tight-knit community. ποΈ Keynote speaker Dr. Beth Graber shared her three keys to success, emphasizing the power of self-talk, letting go of fear, and cultivating kindness. β€οΈ Valedictorian Hannah Klima also moved the crowd by sharing how stepping out of her comfort zone taught her a lifelong lesson, challenging her peers with the phrase, "you must do the thing you cannot do." β·οΈ From High School Equivalency diplomas to specialized certificates in Marine Mammal Biology and advanced Masters Degrees, these students have worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone. β¨ Turn your tassels and celebrate the full story and photo gallery here: #KBCGrad2026#HomerAlaska#KenaiPeninsulaCollege#ClassOf2026#Commencement#UAAGrad#AlaskaEducation#ProudCommunity... See MoreSee Less
By Poppy Smith The Kenai Peninsula Campus, Kachemak Bay Campus class of 2026 attended their commencement ceremony on Wednesday, May 6, celebrating the graduation of nearly 60 students in different β¦
The brand-new Matson Ocean Education Center is officially open to the public! π Located at the scenic edge of the Turnagain Arm where the Placer and Portage Rivers meet the sea, this incredible center offers stunning mountain views and a front-row seat to one of the world's largest tidal variations. ποΈ Visitors might even spot iconic white beluga whales surfacing in the wild! π Inside, you will find models, interactive educational materials, and a full beluga skeleton hanging from the ceiling. 𦴠Head veterinarian Dr. Michelle Oakley shared that this center matters because helping kids understand and connect with wildlife like sea otters and bison inspires them to protect these amazing creatures. 𦦠The center is open daily with naturalist-led programs focused on protecting the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale. π Check out the full story and plan your visit here: #Alaska#WildlifeConservation#OceanEducation#BelugaWhales#TurnagainArm#KeepAlaskaWild#ExploreAlaska... See MoreSee Less
Officials with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Matson, and invited guests officially opened the brand-new Matson Ocean Education Center to the public Saturday.
Alaska is one step closer to having an official state vegetable: the giant cabbage! π₯¬ The bill passed the House unanimously with a 38-0 vote, bringing this local favorite into the spotlight. π House Minority Leader DeLena Johnson noted the bill is a great way to market Alaska's unique agriculture, while Rep. Nellie Jimmie shared that cabbage even goes great with seal oil! π½οΈ Now that it has cleared the House, the bill heads over to the Senate with just seven days left in the legislative session. ποΈ Will the giant cabbage become official? Read the full story here: #Alaska#Agriculture#StateVegetable#GiantCabbage#AKleg#AlaskaNews ... See MoreSee Less
What a hero! ππ 12-year-old Nathan Yuill from the Mat-Su Borough officially rang the bell this weekend to mark the end of his fight against stage four Hodgkinβs lymphoma! πβ¨ Even in the middle of his own battle, Nathan showed incredible kindness by delivering 124 Easter baskets to other sick kids in Anchorage area hospitals. π°π The community gathered to celebrate his strength, including his kindergarten best friend and his middle school principal, while Mayor Edna DeVries even declared May 9 as Nathan Yuill Day! ππ Nathanβs mom, Dena, credits their amazing support system for getting them through the toughest days, and now the family is looking forward to a well-deserved road trip across the country. ππ¨ Nathan says he is most excited for the waterparks! ππ Read more about this brave young man and his inspiring journey here: ππ #NathanYuillDay#CancerWarrior#MatSuStrong#BellRinging#Inspiration#CommunityLove#HodgkinsLymphomaAwareness#AlaskaHero#GoodNews... See MoreSee Less
Are you trail-ready, Alaska? π²π» Carrying bear spray is a great first step, but knowing exactly how to use it can make all the difference during a surprise encounter! ποΈπ¨ Brian Horner from Learn to Return Training Systems shares that bear spray has a 90% success rate, making it a powerful tool for your outdoor kit. πβ¨ To stay safe, make sure your canister is easily accessible on your hip, remove that plastic shipping strap before you hike, and always check the expiration dateβit is best to replace it every two years! ποΈβ If you face a bear, stay calm, aim low toward the ground to create a "cloud" shield, and spray in a back-and-forth motion while backing away slowly. ππ£ Never run, and keep talking to the bear to show you are human! π£οΈπ» Want to master the "park-and-place" technique or learn why firearms might not be the best primary defense? π§π Read the full expert guide and safety tips here: π #BearAware#AlaskaHiking#SafetyFirst#BearSpray#ExploreAlaska#HikingTips#WildlifeSafety#TrailReady#AlaskaLife... See MoreSee Less
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If you are driving around Homer, you definitely cannot miss them! π Loose domestic rabbits are grazing on spring grass all over the city, from the high school to the public library. π« While some residents think they are adorable, others are dealing with a total menace to their gardens and landscaping. π₯ Homer Animal Shelter director Jillian Rogers reports that this is a major boom year for the bunnies, but feral rabbits have actually been an issue in Alaska for quite some time. ποΈ Local wildlife biologists note that a mild winter with less snow allowed more rabbits to survive into the spring, and because they can breed every thirty days, the population is exploding! π Unlike native snowshoe hares, these are domesticated European rabbits that were either let loose or escaped. πͺ They can attract dangerous predators like coyotes, wolves, and bears into city neighborhoods, and they risk spreading diseases to native wildlife. π» State regulations classify these rabbits as exotic wildlife, making it illegal to release them into the wild or feed them in your yard. π While residents can borrow live traps from the local fish and game office to catch nuisance bunnies on their property, it is strictly illegal to relocate and release them elsewhere. π« Since the shelter can only take in friendly, adoptable pet bunnies, locals are largely left to safeguard their properties with fencing. π§ Read the full story on how the community is handling the bunny boom here: #HomerAlaska #BunnyBoom #feralrabbits #alaskawildlife #homernews #CommunityUpdate #alaskalife #homerrabbits ... See MoreSee Less
Feral rabbits on the rise
homerindependentpress.com
By Jacqueline McDonough For the Homer Independent Press Whether you are passing by the high school, the library or even the hospital, you canβt miss them: loose domestic rabbits grazing on spring gβ...0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Congratulations to the Kachemak Bay Campus class of 2026! π Nearly 60 incredible students celebrated their graduation at the commencement ceremony held right here on campus in Homer. ποΈ The evening was filled with cheers, family, and inspiring words, kicking off with a warm address from University of Alaska Anchorage Chancellor Cheryl Siemers, who urged the graduates to dream big and give back to their tight-knit community. ποΈ Keynote speaker Dr. Beth Graber shared her three keys to success, emphasizing the power of self-talk, letting go of fear, and cultivating kindness. β€οΈ Valedictorian Hannah Klima also moved the crowd by sharing how stepping out of her comfort zone taught her a lifelong lesson, challenging her peers with the phrase, "you must do the thing you cannot do." β·οΈ From High School Equivalency diplomas to specialized certificates in Marine Mammal Biology and advanced Masters Degrees, these students have worked incredibly hard to reach this milestone. β¨ Turn your tassels and celebrate the full story and photo gallery here: #KBCGrad2026 #HomerAlaska #KenaiPeninsulaCollege #ClassOf2026 #Commencement #UAAGrad #AlaskaEducation #ProudCommunity ... See MoreSee Less
KBC celebrates graduates
homerindependentpress.com
By Poppy Smith The Kenai Peninsula Campus, Kachemak Bay Campus class of 2026 attended their commencement ceremony on Wednesday, May 6, celebrating the graduation of nearly 60 students in different β¦0 CommentsComment on Facebook
The Jesse Lee Home Cemetery in Seward is being restored after being abandoned and reclaimed by nature for over 60 years! π³ Originally opened in 1926 as an orphanage and boarding school for Alaska Native children, the site was closed after the 1964 earthquake and the remaining buildings were demolished in 2020. ποΈ During the demolition, the Qutekcak Native Tribe realized a forgotten cemetery existed on the property. π Because the original grave markers were removed and lost decades ago, volunteers initially had no idea how many children and workers were buried there, except for a single standing nurse's headstone. πͺ¦ Now, thanks to the incredible teamwork of volunteers using metal detectors and LiDAR technology, about 40 grave sites have been successfully identified and marked with flags. πΊοΈ While they may never be able to put a name to every single grave, work will continue this summer to scan the rest of the area. π² The Seward City Council has officially started the process of transferring the land to the Qutekcak Native Tribe, who plan to build a beautiful totem arch entrance, paths, and benches to create a peaceful space for reflection and healing. β€οΈβπ©Ή Read the full historic update here: #AlaskaHistory #SewardAlaska #Restoration #Seward #Alaska #Community #CulturalHeritage #JesseLeeHome AlaskaNativeHistory ... See MoreSee Less
Looking for the lost children of the Jesse Lee Home Cemetery
www.alaskasnewssource.com
The Qutekcak Native Tribe has been working for six years to make sure the lost children of Seward's Jesse Lee Home are not forgotten.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
The brand-new Matson Ocean Education Center is officially open to the public! π Located at the scenic edge of the Turnagain Arm where the Placer and Portage Rivers meet the sea, this incredible center offers stunning mountain views and a front-row seat to one of the world's largest tidal variations. ποΈ Visitors might even spot iconic white beluga whales surfacing in the wild! π Inside, you will find models, interactive educational materials, and a full beluga skeleton hanging from the ceiling. 𦴠Head veterinarian Dr. Michelle Oakley shared that this center matters because helping kids understand and connect with wildlife like sea otters and bison inspires them to protect these amazing creatures. 𦦠The center is open daily with naturalist-led programs focused on protecting the endangered Cook Inlet beluga whale. π Check out the full story and plan your visit here: #Alaska #WildlifeConservation #OceanEducation #BelugaWhales #TurnagainArm #KeepAlaskaWild #ExploreAlaska ... See MoreSee Less
Matson Ocean Education Center officially opens, aims to educate next generation of Alaskans on marine preservation
www.alaskasnewssource.com
Officials with the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Matson, and invited guests officially opened the brand-new Matson Ocean Education Center to the public Saturday.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Alaska is one step closer to having an official state vegetable: the giant cabbage! π₯¬ The bill passed the House unanimously with a 38-0 vote, bringing this local favorite into the spotlight. π House Minority Leader DeLena Johnson noted the bill is a great way to market Alaska's unique agriculture, while Rep. Nellie Jimmie shared that cabbage even goes great with seal oil! π½οΈ Now that it has cleared the House, the bill heads over to the Senate with just seven days left in the legislative session. ποΈ Will the giant cabbage become official? Read the full story here: #Alaska #Agriculture #StateVegetable #GiantCabbage #AKleg #AlaskaNews ... See MoreSee Less
Giant cabbage could be the state’s official vegetable, awaits Senate approval
www.alaskasnewssource.com
Alaska is one step closer to having an official state vegetable: the giant cabbage.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Looking for something fun to do? Check out our latest Community Corner update featuring awesome local events happening right here in our community!
π₯¦ Summer Food Service Program at Kenai Community Library: Children 18 and under can pick up seven free weekly meals to eat at home on Tuesdays, May 26 through August 11, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Children must be present. #SummerFood #KenaiLibrary #FoodBankOfAlaska π
πͺ Burn & Brunch at Anytime Fitness & The Duck Inn: Start your morning strong with a workout from 9:00 AM to 10:15 AM followed by a group brunch on Tuesday, May 26. All fitness levels and non-members are welcome. #BurnAndBrunch #AnytimeFitness #TheDuckInn π³
π©Ί Nurse Storytime at Kenai Community Library: Join nurses from the Kenai Public Health Center for fun stories and helpful nutrition tips for little ones on Wednesday, May 27, from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM. #NurseStorytime #HealthyKids #KenaiEvents π
π¬ Tough Old Broads Screening at Porcupine Theater: Catch a documentary featuring the stories of trailblazing women who broke barriers in sports, climate action, and civil rights on Wednesday, May 27, at 6:00 PM. #ToughOldBroads #DocumentaryFilm #WomenHistory πΏ
πΌοΈ Felted Landscapes Workshop at Homer Art & Frame Co.: Create your own beautiful artwork in this daily workshop running Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Cost is $65 and all materials are included. #FeltedLandscapes #HomerArt #CreativeWorkshop π¨
πΏ Plant Swap at Kenai Community Library: Connect with fellow houseplant enthusiasts and trade labeled, bug-free potted plants, cuttings, or seedlings on Thursday, May 28, from 5:30 PM to 6:45 PM. #PlantSwap #Houseplants #KenaiCommunity π±
π₯³ Summer Reading Program Kickoff at Kenai Community Library: Celebrate the start of the annual reading program with sweet treats, refreshments, and interactive stations for all ages on Friday, May 29, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. #SummerReading #KenaiLibrary #FamilyFun π
π§ Summit Strong Series Workshop at Summit Physical Therapy: Learn how your body works and get practical strategies to improve breathing, core coordination, and pelvic floor function on Friday, May 29, from 3:45 PM to 4:45 PM. #SummitStrong #PhysicalTherapy #WellnessWorkshop π«
πΈ Members Only Presale at Pratt Museum Parking Lot: Shop native plants and perennials on Friday, May 29, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Non-members can join at the event, and proceeds benefit botanical garden improvements. #PlantPresale #PrattMuseum #AlaskaGardening πΏ
π» Anchorage Bowl Chamber Orchestra at The Porcupine Theater: Enjoy a free, family-friendly, non-traditional classical music performance featuring an eclectic mix of orchestral works on Friday, May 29, at 6:30 PM. #ChamberOrchestra #LiveMusic #FamilyConcert πΌ
π Alaska Run for Women with Virtual Team Homer: Support breast cancer awareness by meeting at the Homer Fishing Hole on Saturday, May 30, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM to walk, run, or bike the Spit trail. Wearing pink is encouraged. #AlaskaRunForWomen #TeamHomer #BreastCancerAwareness π²
π Yellow House Fundraiser Sale at Pratt Museum: Support the museum by shopping unique items right next door to the facility on Saturday, May 30, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. All proceeds benefit museum operations. #FundraiserSale #PrattMuseum #CommunitySupport ποΈ
π» Annual Pratt Plant Sale at Pratt Museum Botanical Garden: Shop native plants and perennials while getting advice from the Garden Crew on Saturday, May 30, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Proceeds benefit garden improvements. #PrattPlantSale #HomerGardening #NativePlants πͺ΅
πΆ Native Plant Walk at Kenai Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center: Join native plant expert Brandi Bell for a free community walk looping to the Old Town Historic Cabins on Saturday, May 30, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM. #NativePlantWalk #KenaiHistory #NatureLovers π²
π₯© Dinner and Auction Gala at Sterling Community Center: Celebrate local river life with a prime rib dinner, live music, and auctions on Saturday, May 30, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Tickets are available on the center's website. #SterlingGala #CommunityAuction #RiverLife ποΈ ... See MoreSee Less
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Come join us today starting at 11am for the Kachemak Auto Annual Tent sale! Deals, prizes and food! ... See MoreSee Less
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What a hero! ππ 12-year-old Nathan Yuill from the Mat-Su Borough officially rang the bell this weekend to mark the end of his fight against stage four Hodgkinβs lymphoma! πβ¨ Even in the middle of his own battle, Nathan showed incredible kindness by delivering 124 Easter baskets to other sick kids in Anchorage area hospitals. π°π The community gathered to celebrate his strength, including his kindergarten best friend and his middle school principal, while Mayor Edna DeVries even declared May 9 as Nathan Yuill Day! ππ Nathanβs mom, Dena, credits their amazing support system for getting them through the toughest days, and now the family is looking forward to a well-deserved road trip across the country. ππ¨ Nathan says he is most excited for the waterparks! ππ Read more about this brave young man and his inspiring journey here: ππ #NathanYuillDay #CancerWarrior #MatSuStrong #BellRinging #Inspiration #CommunityLove #HodgkinsLymphomaAwareness #AlaskaHero #GoodNews ... See MoreSee Less
12-year-old boy rings cancer bell after making Easter baskets for sick kids
www.alaskasnewssource.com
Nathan Yuill, who delivered Easter baskets to other sick kids during his own cancer fight, celebrated the end of his treatment over the weekend.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Are you trail-ready, Alaska? π²π» Carrying bear spray is a great first step, but knowing exactly how to use it can make all the difference during a surprise encounter! ποΈπ¨ Brian Horner from Learn to Return Training Systems shares that bear spray has a 90% success rate, making it a powerful tool for your outdoor kit. πβ¨ To stay safe, make sure your canister is easily accessible on your hip, remove that plastic shipping strap before you hike, and always check the expiration dateβit is best to replace it every two years! ποΈβ If you face a bear, stay calm, aim low toward the ground to create a "cloud" shield, and spray in a back-and-forth motion while backing away slowly. ππ£ Never run, and keep talking to the bear to show you are human! π£οΈπ» Want to master the "park-and-place" technique or learn why firearms might not be the best primary defense? π§π Read the full expert guide and safety tips here: π #BearAware #AlaskaHiking #SafetyFirst #BearSpray #ExploreAlaska #HikingTips #WildlifeSafety #TrailReady #AlaskaLife ... See MoreSee Less
Would you know the best way to use bear spray if you needed to?
www.alaskasnewssource.com
Many Alaskans carry bear spray when theyβre out hiking, but if youβve never had to use it, you may wonder if youβd be able to do so properly0 CommentsComment on Facebook