By Bruce Karnick

[email protected]

Prescribed Burns

Restoration burns were planned for small portions of Vermillion River Linear Park and Vermillion Falls Park. Burns were scheduled for the east end of each park April 22nd and 23rd with the intent of putting signs at trailheads of each park. According to Parks Director Chris Jenkins, the scheduled burns can be rescheduled due shifting weather, wind and contractor availability. The schedule changes can happen with only a day or two notice. If you happen to see a fire in the parks, take a quick look around for signage and staff for a prescribed burn before calling on the fire department.

Why a controlled, prescribed burn? Fire is one of the most effective ways to remove invasive/non-native vegetation, while also accelerating the regeneration of wildflowers, which in turn benefits the habitat and pollinators in the area.

These prescribed burns are just one of the ways that city partner Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) works to restore and enhance natural areas to thriving and diverse river-adjacent ecosystems. FMR has been a great partner for the City of Hastings and the Parks Department in restoring Vermillion Linear and Vermillion Falls Park.

Do you know softball?

The City of Hastings Parks and Rec department is still in need of softball umpires for adult leagues. Get outside, watch softball up close and personal and make $26 per game. Contact [email protected] if you are interested. Leagues begin the first week of May.

Help for Renters.

A new program to help renters who have fallen behind on rent and utility payments is now available with the State of Minnesota. Visit www.renthelpmn.org to fill out an application or call 211. The program is in phase one to help people that are currently behind on payments. Eventually, the program will open up to phase two, helping people who are not behind but struggling to make the next months payment.

Rotary Pavilion Donation Paver Program Leave your legacy or honor the memories of loved ones while contributing to the sustainability and long-term maintenance of the wonderful Rotary Pavilion venue and adjacent features. The City adopted a program in 2017 to honor requests for additional pavers at the site to be engraved with special messages. Requests require a minimum donation of $2,000 and must be made before May 31 each year. On-site engraving of messages occurs in early to mid-June.

Below are forms that must be filled out to accompany a donation. Forms are to be returned via email to Nick Egger, Public Works Director, at [email protected]

8”X16” Paver ($5,000 minimum donation) 8”X8” Paver ($2,000 minimum donation) United Heroes League United Heroes League is in the final planning stages of their Heroes Monument. The heroes monument will be located on the UHL property next to their confidence course. The Heroes Monument will be three, sixty-foot walls in the shape if the UHL logo. Each wall will hold 2160 bricks available for engraving. Bricks are available starting at $200. For details on the full program visit www.unitedheroesleague. org/pledge

Prescribed burns are a great way to remove invasive plants and allow the native plants to reclaim property. These burns are closely monitored for safety. If you see a prescribed burn, keep your distance and enjoy the show. Photo courtesy of the City of Hastings.