>Spring is when the birch sap starts to flow. We have information on tapping trees in our publication, “Backyard Birch Tapping Basics.” There is information on when to collect sap and how to choose the right-size trees, insert taps (spiles), collect and store the sap, and process the sap into syrup. For more information or with questions about birch tapping, call 877-520-5211.

>The Mat-Su/Copper River District office continues its Third Thursday series in April with Garden Soil Essentials. Taught by soil scientist Bob Van Veldhuizen, this class will provide information on evaluating a soil test and how to find a good soil value is. This class is free, but registration is recommended. Call 745-3360 for more information or to register.

>April is Financial Literacy Month. Extension has a publication category, Family Resource Management, with publications like “Outside Financial Help,” “Mustering Your Forces,” “The Permanent Home Filing System” and more. These publications can help you be more financially savvy and organized. For more financial information or other questions, call 877-520-5211 to be connected with an agent in your area.

>The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program is offering online courses on controlling the spread of invasive plants and exotic forest insect pests. The courses are available for continuing education units (CEUs) for professional licensure, but anyone can view the content for free. Courses on bird vetch, orange hawkweed, white sweet clover, spruce beetles and spruce aphids are coming soon. The full course list can be found on the IPM website. For more information please contact Gino Graziano at gagraziano@alaska.edu or 907-786-6315.

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