Oakdale honored for urban forest care

Oakdale has have been recognized by the Arbor Day Foundation for its commitment to urban forest management.

The city was named a 2013 Tree City USA by the foundation, a national nonprofit conservation and education organization.

"Communities achieve Tree City USA status by meeting four core standards of sound urban forestry management: maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry and celebrating Arbor Day," the organization said on its website.

More than 3,400 cities across the country have received the designation, Arbor Day officials said.

Oakdale, which has been named a Tree City for the past 19 years, will hand out trees to residents who attend the city's Arbor Day ceremony, a tradition that dates 40 years, according to a city news release. This year's event will be held on Saturday, April 26, at Richard Walton Park, 1584 Hadley Av., Oakdale (next to City Hall), the release said.

Carpenter Nature Center is hosting two programs on Saturday, April 26.

From 9-11 a.m. at the center's Wisconsin campus, 300 E. Cove Road, Hudson, Jim Fitzpatrick, director emeritus, will lead a bird hike. Learn about the many bird species that utilize the St. Croix Valley during migration and nesting season.

From 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the main campus, 12805 St Croix Trail S., Hastings, avid amateur mycologist Joni Garbe will present an easy guide to mushroom hunting. Participants will learn about five "can't miss" edible varieties that they can find through the summer and into fall. This is an indoor program. The fee is $6 per person or $4 for Friends of CNC.

RSVP by calling 651-437-4359.

Residents of Cottage Grove are invited to celebrate Arbor Day by planting trees at one of the city's newest parks from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26, at Sunnyhill Park, 6201 Ideal Av., in the Pine Cliff neighborhood.

Bring shovels and work gloves and join city staff for a morning of planting trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Beverages will be offered, along with activities for kids. No preregistration is required and all ages are welcome.

The cabaret, a casual evening of entertainment, also will feature an assortment of student performances.

There will be a silent auction and refreshments for sale. Proceeds provide Oak-Land band students with scholarships for summer music camps and lessons. There is a $5 admission fee, with free admission for kids under 12.

The R.H. Stafford Branch of Washington County Library, 8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury, is asking for volunteers to help with a used book sale April 25-27. Workers are needed to help with setup and cleanup and to assist customers during the sale. To volunteer, call 651-731-1320, or sign up at the library.

Donations for the sale, such as books, CDs, and DVDs, will be accepted any time the library is open. Bring donated items to the Information Desk. Donations should be in good condition — no textbooks or magazines. The library also is wanting gently used children's materials. Find library hours at ww.co.washington.mn.us/library, or call the library's hours line: 651-275-8525.

The Washington County Historical Society is celebrating its 80th Anniversary at the Warden's House Museum Open House from noon-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 602 N. Main St., Stillwater.

Exhibits will showcase the daring trek across Greenland by Washington County resident Ann Bancroft and a 100-year-old story of murder for love from a Stillwater prisoner. They'll also show a Stillwater Civil War veteran's battlefield saber and tell of the 80 years of preserving Washington County history by the Historical Society.

The Open House marks the beginning of the museum's touring season which lasts from May through October. Tours will be held Thursdays through Sundays starting on every hour from 1-4 p.m.

Contact Sean Pallas at spallas.wchs@gmail.com or 651-439-5956 with any questions regarding this event or to schedule a tour of the museum.

The museum is at the north end of Main Street in Stillwater at the site of Minnesota's original prison before it was relocated to Bayport.