The shortest day of the year will be observed Saturday evening on the grounds near Living Earth Center’s Big Red Barn on Good Counsel Hill.
The free solstice event will feature a guided hike (on snowshoes if there is enough snow), bonfires, refreshments and designated time for community reflection.
Participants will be celebrating the winter’s darkness and preparing to welcome back the light of longer days.
The hike begins at 6 p.m. and will travel around the hilltop. At the same time, warm refreshments will be served and fires burning for people who prefer to stay warm and socialize.
Fireside community reflection and story readings begin at 6:30 p.m. and a 7 p.m. gathering is planned near a community bonfire.
Registration is requested but not required. To register, go to: livingearthcenter.org or call 507-389-4272.
North Mankato ordering boulevard trees
Applications are being accepted for North Mankato’s 2025 Boulevard Tree Program.
This program offers homeowners an opportunity to purchase boulevard trees at a reduced price.
The city will be ordering sycamores, ginkgos, lilacs, maples, redbud and river birch.
Feb. 15 is the application deadline. For tree details, pricing information or for an application, visit: northmankato.com/boulevard-trees or call North Mankato City Hall 507-625-4141.
Comments needed for climate action plan
The city of North Mankato will be developing its inaugural climate action plan over the next year.
An online survey has been developed for collecting input from North Mankato residents and businesses. This survey will be used to help identify perceptions, needs, opportunities, priorities and issues for the city to address in the plan.
If applicable, survey takers should identify whether or not they live or work in North Mankato.
The survey may be found at: palebluedot.llc/north-mankato-climate-action-plan.
For more information, call 507-625-4141.
Land-rent workshop set
The University of Minnesota Extension is hosting land-rent workshops for landlords, farmers and agri-business professionals. One of the free in-person meetings is 9:30 a.m. today at the Health and Human Services Center, River Room, 622 S. Front St., St. Peter.
Negotiating a fair rental agreement that satisfies the land owner and the farmer is a challenge. David Bau and Nathan Hulinsky, Extension educators in ag business management, will provide several methods by examples, factsheets and worksheets to determine a fair farm land rental rate for both parties.
Registration is not required for attendees.
For more information, go to: extension.umn.edu/courses-and-events/farmland-rental-workshop.