> America Saves Week is February 25 - March 2. It's a great time for you and your loved ones to start taking control of your financial situation. Throughout the next two weeks, Extension will be giving you money saving tips on our Facebook and Twitter. Keep an eye out for a special promotion where you can win great prizes.

> Registration is open for the Sustainable Agriculture Conference March 13-14 in Fairbanks. Preconference workshops on March 12th and the conference itself will highlight rain catchment systems and sustainable farming and gardening methods. See the conference site for the agenda and registration links. 

> Spring is not too far away. It’s almost time to start planting vegetables and flowers indoors. See our Seed Starting and Transplanting publication for plant dates and tips and also recommended variety lists for the Interior, Southcentral and Southeast.

> More than 1,200 youth attended Alaska 4-H camps across the state during the past year, learning everything from leadership and bluegrass music to outdoor survival. See some of these activities in our video and read about some of Extension's activities in our 2012 Program Highlights.

> The Alaska Certified Pesticide Applicators Conference will be held March 14 at the Coast International Inn in Anchorage. Company representatives and members of Department of Environmental Conservation pesticide program will speak on a variety of topics, including label reading, core manual testing, safety, bed bugs and more. Cost is $50. Register online.  

> Backyard food security is the theme for 2013 Alaska Master Gardeners Conference April 6 at the Palmer Depot. Bethel farmer Tim Meyers will be the guest speaker. Click here for more information or to register.