The Free Press
A longtime bison ambassador for Minneopa State Park will discuss the country’s “national mammal” 7 p.m. Tuesday during Mankato Paddling and Outings Club’s March meeting.
The general public may attend the free presentation at Belgrade Avenue Methodist Church, 325 Sherman St.
Tim Pulis will offer bison facts and history and show photos of Minneopa’s herd, a popular attraction at the state park.
City sponsors Arbor Day contest
Kindergarten through fifth graders may participate in Mankato Arbor Day Poster Contest.
This year’s theme is “Trees: For Birds, Bugs, Bees and Me!” celebrates this year’s observance on April 26.
City of Mankato Natural Resources Specialist Justin Lundborg will judge the entries.
Images of winning posters will be shared on the city’s social media and will be featured in the city’s May online newsletter. First-place winners will have trees planted in their honor and all winning artists will receive a City of Mankato Pack.
First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected in these categories: kindergarten and first grade; second and third grades; and fourth and fifth grades.
Contest guidelines:
• One poster submission per child. The words from the contest theme should be incorporated into the design.
• Artists may use materials of their choice, such as markers, crayons or paint for original works created on paper with the dimensions of either 8½ inches by 11 inches or 11 inches by 17 inches.
• The back of the poster must include the artist’s name, grade and parent/guardian contact information. A teacher’s contact information is necessary when a submission is part of a classroom project.
• Entries are due by 11:59 p.m. April 9. Submissions may be dropped off at the Public Information and Community Engagement office in the Intergovernmental Center, 10 Civic Center Plaza. Emailed entries should be sent to: communications@mankatomn.gov.
Civil War symposium set for Saturday
“War is Hell: Total War in ‘64” is the theme of the Friends of the Boy in Blue Civil War Memorial 11th annual symposium 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Morson-Ario-Strand VFW 950, 1900 N. Riverfront Drive.
Today is the registration deadline for the full day of speakers, costumed interpreters, Civil War era music, exhibits, panel discussions and authors reading from their books.
Guest speakers are Jeff Reiswig, who will give a presentation about quartermasters, and Gary Blessman, who will discuss the submarine C.C.S. Hunley.
Registration fees are $30/adults and $20/students and includes the cost of a lunch. A discount ticket price is available to Friends of the Boy in Blue members. To register online, go to: boyinblue.org/news-events.
For more detailed information and a full program listing, visit: boyinblue.org or email a request to: contact@boyinblue.org.