Minnesota Mosaic series at libraries

From history to camping to writing, Dakota County libraries are offering programs focused on Minnesota this month.

The Minnesota Mosaic series starts with a discussion from 6:30-8 p.m. March 15 on "Minnesota's First Explorations," led by Minnesota Historical Society Curator Patrick Coleman at the Robert Trail Library in Rosemount.

On March 19, there will be a session on "Wild Minnesota: Bear-Proofing Your Camp" at the Farmington Library from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

The author of "Prairie, Lake, Forest: Minnesota's State Parks" will speak at Heritage Library in Lakeville from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on March 24.

And the Loft Literary Center will present "Writing on the Road with Frank Bures" at the Pleasant Hill Library in Hastings from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on three dates: March 31, April 7 and April 14.

All of the events are free. For more information, go to www.dakotacounty.us/library or check with your local branch library.

Time to reserve campsites for springThe weather may not be summery just yet, but Dakota County is already accepting online reservations for campsites in its parks.

Lebanon Hills Campground in Apple Valley has 93 campsites, more than half with water, electricity and sewer hookups, surrounded by 2,000 acres of woods.

Lake Byllesby Campground has 57 campsites, about half with water and electricity. The park and lake are close to the 25-mile Cannon Valley Bike Trail.

To make a reservation, go to www.dakotacounty.us/parks and click on "Reservations & Passes." More information is available at 952-891-7000.

Relay for Life kickoff is March 13Organizing for the 2011 Eagan Relay For Life, a fundraiser to support the American Cancer Society, will get started with a kickoff event at the Southwest Area YMCA on March 13 from 3 to 5 p.m.

Anyone interested in learning more about the 12th annual event dedicated to creating "a world with less cancer and more birthdays" is invited to attend.

For more information or to register a team, go to www.relayforlife.org/eaganmn. For other opportunities to donate or get involved, call Kristin Corrigan at 612-308-8801 or Tammy Vanhorn at 651-405-3179.

Design a button for 2011 Dew DaysFarmington's 2011 Dew Days needs a new button design, and all students in the Farmington school district are invited to give it their best shot.

The winning entry will become the "face" of the 2011 button, and the winner will be recognized at the Miss Farmington pageant on June 15.

Entries will be accepted through March 21. Any medium can be used, but the art must stay within the border of the contest sheet, found on the city website. Entries will be judged in three areas: Creativity, originality and illustrating the theme "Farmington Dew Days."

The contest is open to any Farmington student in grades K-12. All entries must be turned in to Cindy Muller at City Hall. For more information, see www.ci.farmington.mn.us, call 651-280-6803 or e-mail cmuller@ci.farmington.mn.us

Last year, the strip mall near S. Robert Street and Mendota Road got city approval for redevelopment. Plans include a new gas station/car wash and several spots for restaurants.

While work is proceeding, center owner Jerry's Enterprises received an extension of six months to complete it.

Community garden coming this springThe city of West St. Paul is moving ahead with plans to start a community garden this growing season, and it's looking for residents who want to help get the garden project "in the ground."

A subcommittee of the city's environmental committee was created to explore the possibility of starting a community garden, and with the support of the City Council, an initial garden site, part of the former Wolter's property on Bernard Street, has been selected.

Anyone interested in helping with the garden can contact Council Member Darlene Lewis at 651-457-8835.