South news briefs: Open house is next week for I-35 'Carmageddon'

They may be planning to ruin your life, but at least they're being open about it.

There's an open house next week for folks who want to know more about the massive disruptions expected this summer as the state does a major overhaul on Interstate 35 and I-35E from Elko New Market to Eagan.

The entire southbound portion of a segment of that roadway will shut down for up to 30 days, officials are warning, along with other lane closures and intersection work.

The open house is Tuesday from 7:30 to 9 a.m. in the new Elko New Market Library, 110 J. Roberts Way.

There will be a short presentation at 7:45 a.m., and officials informed about the project will be there throughout to offer information and answer questions.

There's also a website devoted to the plans at www.dot.state.mn.us/metro/projects/i35eelkotoeagan.

You can request an ASL or foreign language interpreter by calling 651-366-4720.

The April 19 event will be devoted to topics such as rain gardens, planting wildflowers, choosing trees and shrubs for a yard, composting and environment-friendly lawn care.

It's the third annual version, sponsored by the Scott Soil and Water Conservation District.

It starts at noon and runs to 6 p.m. The fairgrounds are in Jordan, on the Minnesota River side of Hwy. 169.

Door prizes and free hot dogs and refreshments are being offered as inducements. You can also get your well water tested for nitrates.

Every half-hour there's a 15-minute conservation talk, and master gardeners and other experts will be on hand to field questions.

A full day of birding activities is slated for Hastings Area Birding Day, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 20 at the Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center.

Novices and experienced birders are welcome at the event, organized by the Hastings Parks and Recreation Department.

Activities include a youth birding competition, a bird banding demonstration, a birding class, a bird tour, a raptor program and field trips to birding hot spots.

To register, call the nature center at 651-437-4359. For more information, see www.startribune.com/a2161.

Residents of Savage and Prior Lake are eligible for a tree sale this month. Trees will be sold at the wholesale rate but without a warranty.

Savage and Prior Lake host the event for their residents and those living in nearby Credit River and Spring Lake townships.

The sale — rain or shine — is from 9 to 11 a.m. April 27 at the Savage public works facility, 13770 Dakota Av.

Trees may be ordered and paid for ahead of time, or purchased on site, first-come, first-served. No credit cards will be accepted on the day of the sale, just cash or checks.

The tree varieties to be offered are displayed online at cityofsavage.com/images/docs/forestry/treelist.pdf.

Volunteers are being asked to come out and plant prairie wildflowers at one of the regional parks in Scott County.

Volunteers will plant prairie wildflowers, grasses and wetland plants.

To register, visit www.greatrivergreen ing.org under "Volunteer" or call 651-665-9500, ext. 11.

Restoration started last fall, when 180 volunteers helped install 9,000 plants along 1,500 feet of shoreline.