It’s the turn of a new season, reflected in the gold and red foliage. With the chill in the air at night comes the return of a seasonal series of events and activities. For details, check out these Best Bets!

BEST CRANE WALK BET: The last opportunity to experience the magic of sandhill cranes staging for their annual migration at Inspiration Ridge Preserve is this Thursday, Sept. 5. Crane Walks give you the opportunity to watch sandhill cranes as they gather for pre-migration staging, allowing guests to learn more about sandhill cranes from local expert Nina Faust, explore the ridge above Kachemak Bay and capture incredible photos of Alaskan wildlife. All ticket proceeds benefit public education about cranes in the Homer area. For more information and to book your tour spot, visit akcoastalstudies.org/crane-walks.

BEST MOBILE MAMMOGRAM BET: If you missed out earlier this summer, here’s your chance! The Kachemak Bay Family Planning Clinic is hosting the Providence mobile mammogram bus at Kachemak Community Center on Pioneer Avenue on Friday, Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mark your calendars, identify the provider you’d like your results sent to, and schedule your appointment by calling Providence directly at 907-212-3151. If you are concerned about cost, ask about financial assistance when scheduling your appointment. This service is provided regardless of ability to pay. If you’re not yet due for a mammogram, no worries! You can still join in on the fun – KBFPC will have free yoga with Anna Raupp and Zumba with Katie Jo. Snag a friend and join KBFPC for a day of prioritizing your health and well-being! For questions, call KPFPC at 907-235-3436.

BEST GIVE LOCAL BEACHES LOVE BET: It’s time to give our beaches some love! Join the Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies on Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Bishop’s Beach Pavilion to kick off the 2024 CoastWalk Clean-Up. CACS will be holding a month of marine debris awareness and beach cleanups with a Kickoff Cookout, marine debris crafts like paint a buoy, marine debris lawn games including Buoy Bocce, ring toss and kuub, a Bishop’s Beach cleanup, and more! This is your chance to adopt CoastWalk Zones, sign up for cleanup days, and celebrate the end of summer by cleaning our coastlines. Since 1984, CoastWalk has been an annual effort to clean Kachemak Bay’s beaches and collect critical data on marine debris in Alaska. This year, CACS is thrilled to partner with Alaska Plastic Recovery and Surfrider Kenai Peninsula. The CoastWalk Kickoff is a free event! Bring your friends, family, neighbors and loose acquaintances. For more information, visit akcoastalstudies.org/events.

BEST BOOK AND PLANT SALE BET: The Friends of the Homer Public Library Fall Book and Plant Sale is almost here! Stop by the library on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for some great picks! If you’re an FHL member, sneak on over for the members-only pre-sale on Friday, Sept. 6 from 6-8 p.m. and get first pick of the lot! If you’re not yet a member, you can join at the door. FHL is also now accepting good quality donations at the library. Please do not donate any textbooks, magazines, DVDs, CDs, or soiled or damaged books. Potted plant donations may be dropped off during library hours on Thursday, Sept. 5. Please include a note with the plant name and care instructions. 500 Hazel Ave.

BEST CANDIDATE FORUM BET: The Homer Chamber of Commerce will host a lunchtime forum for the Homer City Mayor candidates on Tuesday, Sept. 10 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Kachemak Bay Campus. There will also be a presentation on KPB Proposition 1, which supports general obligation bonds for new services and facility improvements at South Peninsula Hospital. Join in person or by Zoom. 533 E. Pioneer Ave.