South metro town briefs

Many seedling trees, shrubs still available A Scott County program that practically gives away small trees and shrubs still has many available to reserve. But don't expect a monster plant: These are just seedlings.

The county's Soil and Water Conservation District, in Jordan, buys tens of thousands of seedlings each year, most of which are usually spoken for by now. But officials say many are still available for pickup in April, at a cost of only about a dollar apiece.

Bundles of 25 sell for $28 when it's birch, black cherry, and others, and $32 when it's cedar, pine and spruce. For rural landowners, there's a pheasant winter cover packet at $60 for 50 assorted plants and a wildlife packet of 25 for $40. The program is aimed more at acreage landowners, but suburbanites are welcome to buy as well.

More information, photos of what's available and order forms are at www.scottswcd.org, or call 952-492-5425.

Benefit raised $7,000 for Markie family A benefit pancake breakfast and silent auction to aid the family of Sidney Markie, a baby who died of a rare genetic condition before she reached her first birthday, has raised $7,000, the Masonic Lodge in Shakopee announced.

Sidney received eight new organs and was waiting for a second liver transplant when she died. The string of events cost her family a great deal.

Summer jobs available in recreational areas The city of Prior Lake's recreation department is looking for people to work in seasonal positions next summer.

Volunteers wanted to evaluate wetlands The city is looking for volunteers who want to help keep local wetlands healthy.

Participants of the Wetland Health Evaluation Program will learn plant and insect identification, then wade in as a team to study the wetlands' biological health. The volunteers will work with a team leader, and all equipment will be provided.

No science background is necessary, but the time commitment will be about 15 to 40 hours from May through August.

To get more information or register, visit www.mnwhep.org or call the Dakota County Water Resources Department at 952-891-7117.

Workshops offer help for those seeking job A full day of job-search workshops is tomorrow.

The event, at the Law Enforcement Center, 301 Fuller St., Shakopee, is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Call 952-496-8547 or e-mail WFCworkshop@co.scott.mn.us. Lunch will be served.

Rajasekar to play Indian music at library Indian music will be in the air at the Wescott Library. Nirmala Rajasekar will be playing classical Indian music on a veena, a plucked string instrument from South India at 7 p.m. on March 12. Rajasekar has performed around the world, collaborating with both classical and contemporary musicians.

The free performance is part of the library's annual Minnesota Mosaic cultural arts series. For more information, visit www.dakotacounty.us/library or call 651-450-2900.