South metro briefs

The Farmington Heritage Preservation Commission is accepting nominations for its annual preservation award.

The award is given to an individual, family, organization or business that has made an outstanding contribution to the preservation, rehabilitation or use of the city's heritage resources. Residents and nonresidents are eligible, but not if they are current members of the commission.

The deadline for nominations is Tuesday. They may be made by contacting Tony Wippler, assistant city planner, at 651-280-6822 or twippler@ci.farmington.mn.us.

The winner will receive a commemorative plaque at a City Council meeting in May.

Dakota County is seeking volunteers to monitor the health of its wetlands through the Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP).

Volunteers will work with a community team to monitor and collect information — such as data on plants and macroinvertebrates — that is used to study health trends and manage wetlands and surrounding natural resource areas. Previous monitoring experience or science background is not necessary.

WHEP volunteers will receive training in field methods, macroinvertebrate collection and identification, and plant survey techniques and identification.

Volunteers typically commit 10 to 20 hours, which include training, field work and lab analysis. The county provides the training and equipment.

Volunteer registration will be accepted through May 15.

To sign up or learn more, see www.mnwhep.org or call the Dakota County Environmental Resources Department at 952-891-7000.

Residents of the Burnsville area are invited to Burnsville City Hall from 2 to 5 p.m. Thursday for an aging and wellness expo.

The free gathering is sponsored by the Elder Resource Association South of the River and will feature information on services for older adults and caregivers. The expo will include free health screenings, information on caregiver resources, giveaways and door prizes. A yogurt bar will be provided by the Commons on Marice and the Epilepsy Foundation. Other sponsors include BrightStar, Presbyterian Homes & Services, ComForcare Senior Services, Ebenezer and the city of Burnsville.

The Arbors at Ridges Senior Living Community in Burnsville will host a public Cinco de Mayo-themed lunch to benefit the Burnsville Fire Department.

The lunch will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 5 at Arbors at Ridges, 13897 Community Drive, Burnsville. The cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children.

The meal will include tacos, chips, salsa, churros and nonalcoholic margaritas. Members of the Burnsville Fire Department and a mariachi band will be on hand. Raffle tickets will also be available.

All proceeds will go toward purchasing a senior-friendly lift for emergency vehicles. Last year, the event raised $1,560 for the department.

For more information, call Arbors at Ridges at 952-898-4005.