While Lower 48’ers are making plans for spring break, we Alaskans are making plans for spring breakup, as more light and more potholes are just a few of the signs of the seasonal transition to come. It’s not too early to start thinking about your garden, summer visitors and summer adventures, all while continuing to enjoy the fantastic skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking available on local trails. If you’re in need of a little inspiration or simply an excuse to get out of the house, there are plenty of fun and educational talks, presentations, and conversations, as well as live music, art events, and community fundraisers happening this week. Just check out these Best Bets.

BEST KNOW YOUR LAND BET: A free, bimonthly series designed to help Alaskans understand and improve their gardens, soils, and other aspects of working with and caring for their lands. Talks take place in-person at Kachemak Bay Campus every other Thursday, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and via Zoom. Feb. 16’s talk is Irrigation Systems for Large or Small Gardens. For more information, the full schedule of presenters, and the Zoom links, visit homerswcd.org.

BEST LIVE MUSIC BET: The dynamic duo of Cathy Stingley and Cindy McKenna will perform at the Homer Senior Center’s Silver Lining Café on Friday, Feb. 17 at 12 p.m. Lunch includes soup, salad, entrée, dessert, and beverages. Call 907-235-4555 or email bonny@homerseniors.com to make a reservation.

BEST FUNDRAISER FOR CANCER RESEARCH BET: A Trek for Hope: a fundraiser for ovarian cancer research takes place on Friday, Feb. 17, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Alice’s. Fundraiser supports Lynn and Reba Temple’s plan to travel to Mount Everest Base Camp, part of an Alaskan-based group of survivors, caregivers, and providers to raise awareness and funding for ovarian cancer research and prevention. This is a no-host, no-cover event. Donations will be accepted and there will be a live and silent auction, and music provided by the Anchorage trio, Any Mountain Campfire.

BEST PLATE PROJECT PAINT-IN BET: Artist Ann-Margret Wimmerstedt guides community members of all ages and painting experiences during this year’s plate painting at Bunnell Street Art Center, Saturdays, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Feb. 18 to March 11. Completed painted plates will be competitively selected by new and renewing Bunnell members, raising essential operating support for their mission and programs. More information at 907-235-2662 and bunnellarts.org.

BEST SUNDAY FUNDAYS BET: The Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies hosts Wynnter Sunday Fundays at the Wynn Nature Center. Stop by every Sunday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for games, hot dogs, science, s’mores, and more. On Feb. 19, enjoy the Great Backyard Bird Count. Activities are free and all ages are welcome. More information at 907-235-6667 and akcoastalstudies.org. Wynn Nature Center is located at mile 1.5 East Skyline Drive.

BEST GARDEN CLUB MEETING BET: Art in the Garden — A curated stroll down the garden path, presented by Jeff Dean on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Aspen Suites Hotel. This presentation will explore historical and contemporary examples of enriching gardens with art, emphasizing art with gardens, gardens as art, and art inspired by gardens.

BEST COMMUNITY CHORUS BET: The Kenai Peninsula Community Chorus spring semester is underway and they are looking for people to join in through the month of April. Led by Kyle Schneider, rehearsals for the chorus are held every Tuesday at the Homer High School Mariner Theatre, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with the next rehearsal on Feb. 21. The purpose of the rehearsals is to gather together to sing and make music as an ensemble. For more information about sheet music and fees, visit pieronetheatre.org or email laura@pieronetheatre.org.

BEST COOK INLETKEEPER COMMUNITY CONVERSATION BET: Cook Inletkeeper is seeking community member input on issues they consider most pressing. Join Cook Inletkeeper for a virtual conversation on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. RSVP for the Zoom link at inletkeeper.org/communityconversations or call 907-235-4048.

BEST HAPPY LIGHT BET: New at the Homer Public Library, thanks to a donation from South Peninsula Hospital are HappyLight light therapy boxes to borrow for two weeks at a time, as available, with a library card required for checkout. For more information and to borrow or get on the waiting list, stop by the library front desk or call 907-235-3180.