>National 4-H week is Oct. 2 - 8 this year. 4-H programs around the state are hosting events leading up to and during the week.

• Shooting sports exploration day, Palmer, Sept. 24

• Centennial celebration with National Park Service, Anchorage, Sept. 24

• Southeast Alaska 4-H Online Registration Roundup, Oct. 2 - 8

• STEM night, Aleknagik, Oct. 5

• Youth Science Day at the Fairbanks Children’s Museum, Fairbanks, Oct. 5

• Open house, Fairbanks, Oct. 6

• STEM night, Dillingham, Oct. 8

• Let's Grow Garlic workshop, Juneau, Oct. 8

• Open house, Sitka, Oct. 20

For more information on the Alaska 4-H program and how to get involved, visit the 4-H website or call 877-520-5211.

>The Anchorage District Office is getting ready to move. Starting Sept. 19, the office will close Mondays and Tuesdays until the office closes Oct. 28 and reopens at its new location Nov. 1. The office will be open Wednesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. except for a noon to 1 p.m. lunch hour closure.

>Extension Energy Specialist Art Nash has produced two new publications. "Using Sustainable Energy to Extend the Growing Season" offers ideas and suggestions for extending the "shoulder" growing season in these structures in order to start plants earlier in the spring and allow them to grow longer in the fall. "Tips to Live Independently at Home as You Age: Entrance Stairs, Ramps, Doors and Lighting" looks at some of the modifications that will make getting in and out of your home easier as you age. Our full publications catalog is available online.

>“Alaska’s Sustainable Gardening Handbook” has been updated. This publication was first produced in 2010 as an adaptation of “Sustainable Gardening: The Oregon-Washington Master Gardener Handbook” and this is the first revision. It is used as one component in Master Gardener training programs for Extension volunteers in Alaska but is also a must-have for all Alaska gardeners. UAF Extension agriculture and horticulture agents have contributed their expertise to provide information on topics such as basic botany, lawns, vegetable gardening, orchards, entomology, pest management and more. Call 877-520-5211 to order the handbook.

>As you close up your garden for the season, consider taking a soil sample. Having a soil sampled tested in the fall is a great way to ensure you are ready for the next gardening season. Extension agents can go over your results with you and provide recommendations for your soil. We have a YouTube video on taking a soil sample, as well as publications on the subject.

>The 2016 Invasive Species Workshop will be held in Fairbanks Oct. 25-27. The annual workshop convenes land managers, scientists, nongovernmental organizations and agricultural producers to share the latest information on invasive species detection, management and science. Registration is available online and more information can be found on the workshop website.

> For past announcements please visit our home page news archive.