Early Growth Of Salmonberries (Rubus spectabilis - Highbush)

Observation: Salmonberries (Rubus spectabilis - Highbush) are coming early! This time of year is earlier then ever. We don't usually see them growing and changing until mid to late June, (July in other years). This is significant because of the early growth and possible concern of more bears through town.

LEO says: The earliest LEO Network post for a bloom of Rubus spectabilis was recorded on Spruce Island in Ouzinkie on February 29 of 2016. The next was on the 6th of March, 2016 in Juneau. One observation was provided in April 6, 2015 from Sitka and another from May, 27, 2014 in Toksook Bay. With in those four latitudinal degrees the time at which the Rubus spectabilis began blooming appears to be earlier than usual. M. Tcheripanoff

Resource: LEO Network is hosting in collaboration with USGS an annual survey about berry harvest in Alaska. If you are a berry harvester you are welcome to participate in our LEO Berry Assessment. See also the published report, How are your berries? Perspectives of Alaska’s environmental managers on trends in wild berry abundance. (J. Hupp et al.)

Video: View this short-video produced in the Metlakatla Indian Community of Alaska titled, Berry Fruit Leather:: METLAKATLA :: Store Outside Your Door. In this short 6:22 minute video, Metlakatla's Naomi Leask teaches us how to make fruit leather out of local berries! This Southeast Alaska community has a berry bounty each year. You can try this recipe with local berries from your area. Berries are rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants (great for heart and brain health). The video was published on September 8, 2015 by The Store Outside Your Door project, an ANTHC Wellness and Prevention initiative to promote the knowledge and use of traditional foods and traditional ways.