Gardeners of all experience levels are invited to be volunteers for a University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener program.
Becoming a Master Gardener gives participants a chance to explore their specific interests while helping the state of Minnesota. Volunteers share science-based horticulture knowledge and practices and promote healthy landscapes and communities through various projects. Priorities include providing information about horticulture skills, local food, pollinator health, plant biodiversity, green spaces, clean water and climate resilience.
Master Gardener applications are being accepted through Oct. 1.
The Horticulture Core Course for the program begins online in January and includes optional weekly online Q&A sessions. Topics include botany and horticulture, soils, composting and fertilizers, integrated pest management, plant pathology, entomology, growing fruits and vegetables, herbaceous and woody ornamental plants, lawns, weeds, indoor plants and propagation, living with wildlife, plant diagnostics, inclusive volunteering and community engagement.
Individuals are asked to complete the core course and provide 50 hours of volunteer service within the first year to become active Master Gardeners. After the first year, volunteers are asked to commit 25 hours to annual volunteer work as well as five hours of continuing education.
To learn more about the program and apply, visit: z.umn.edu/MG_info or call 612-625-9864.
War commemoration events set
Tours of historic sites in New Ulm and the gravesites of settlers who were caught up in the U.S.–Dakota War are slated this week, in conjunction with other activities to commemorate events that took place in the August 1862 and to discuss the aftereffects of the war.
The 2025 commemoration is sponsored in partnership with New Ulm Library and the Junior Pioneers of New Ulm and the vicinity, with funding support from the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.
The schedule of events is:
• Wednesday — John Haymond’s presentation “The Infamous Dakota War Trial of 1862” is slated noon in the Brown County Historical Society’s museum annex. The Lunch and A Bite of History program is free; however, reservations are required. To reserve a seat, call 507-233-2616 or email a request to: education@browncountyhistorymn.org.
• Thursday — A walking tour featuring war sites in New Ulm’s historic downtown begins 10:30 a.m. and costs $7. Tour participants should meet at 10:20 a.m. in front of the Brown County Museum, 2 North Broadway St.
Corinne Marz’s presentation “The Dakota Indian Internment at Fort Snelling” begins at noon in BCHS’ annex building. Reservations are required for the free Lunch and A Bite of History program.
• Saturday — A second Dakota War Downtown Walking Tour will be offered at 10:30 a.m. starting at the front of the museum. The cost is $7 per participant. Members of the New Ulm Battery will interact with the audience and share the history of the organization and talk about the cannon that will be on display 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kiesling House.
• Sunday — Free walking tours of the Pioneer Section at New Ulm Cemetery will be offered between 2-3 p.m. and will feature historical personalities of Brown County’s past as well as the funerary art and symbolism of various grave stones.
Weaving the history of New Ulm’s founding together with stories of early pioneers and the tragedy of the U.S.-Dakota War, guides will share extensive research on the history of Brown County. The tour takes about an hour and can be a family activity.
Commemoration tours will be canceled if the weather is inclement on the day of the event.
Doll show returns Sunday
Antique, vintage and modern-day dolls, as well as their accessories, will be displayed during the 52nd annual Lady Slipper Doll Club Show.
Show hours are 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Courtyard Mankato by Marriott, 901 Raintree Road.
Doll identification and valuations as well as restringing services will be available.
Tickets may be purchased at the door and cost $7 for ages 13 and older.
For more information, call 507-364-5452.
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