Pool Eggstravaganza is Monday, April 17. Join us for an open swim from 1-5 p.m. with a huge Easter Egg Hunt in the pool starting at 2:30 p.m. Hunt for eggs, prizes, and meet the Aqua Bunny. Fee is $6.00 per participant, memberships and punch cards do not apply for this special event, children 5 and under must be accompanied by an adult in the water.

FREE New Ulm Bike Expo: Saturday, April 22 from 10-11:30 a.m. at the Civic Center. There will be a bike rodeo (with bikes and helmets available for the event) that will teach and entertain children, a “strider” area available for younger children and a relaxing group ride after for everyone that brings their own bike. Local organizations will show bike related products and services, clubs to join, information about biking in New Ulm and safety. There will also be a mechanic available to look over your bike! This program is co-sponsored by Park and Rec., Heart of New Ulm and SHIP Healthy Together.

Arbor Day celebration at German Park will take place Friday, April 28 at 10 a.m. A proclamation will be read. Students will learn about trees and plant an actual tree in the park. This event may be canceled or postponed due to inclement weather.

Red Cross Lifeguard Review is being offered to individuals needing to renew their certification. Classes will be held May 20 and 21. Register online at www.ci.new-ulm.mn.us.

Adult Athletic League registration is currently open for Co-Rec Softball and Sand Volleyball. Leagues start in the spring and run into the summer. Call 507-359-8347 or pick up registration at the Rec. Center

Summer Activity Registration available online at the City of New Ulm website, www.ci.new-ulm.ci.new-ulm.mn.us or in person at the Recreation Center.

Herbicides for Buckthorn in the Spring: Tordon is the only herbicide that works to kill buckthorn in the spring, but it remains in soil for many years. The City of New Ulm does NOT use Tordon; if you decide to use Tordon or any herbicide, follow these rules:

1. Use a herbicide blotter (Buckthorn Blaster) available at the Rec. Center front desk or online. Do not use the squirt bottle Tordon is packaged in, as it will cause soil and water contamination.

2. Apply only to the rim of the stump.

3. Use only in spring from bud break to full leaf flush.

4. Tint herbicide with Rit or pond dye or mark it to avoid treating the stump more than once.

5. Avoid contamination with eyes and skin.

Roundup is not effective in the spring starting with budbreak. Undiluted purple Roundup concentrate (50% glycophosate) is used to control buckthorn summer through winter, (about 9 months). Roundup should be used only in a Buckthorn Blaster (herbicide applicator) or small sponge brush and must be applied within two hours of cutting. Do not cut more than you can treat. Roundup and all herbicides need to be applied only to the rim of the stump. Questions: email: Ellen Vancura at newulmbuckthorn@gmail.com or text/call 612-718-9774.

City Tree Inventory Training Dates and Times: The City’s Tree Advisory Commission will be conducting an inventory of trees on city parks and streets beginning mid-May. Volunteers are needed to assist with data collection. No experience is necessary. A free, two-day training will be provided by the University of Minnesota on Friday, May 12 from 4:30-8:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the New Ulm Community Center (600 N German St). Attendance at the training is strongly encouraged, but not required to participate in the inventory.

Interested individuals should contact Shane Omersa at the Park & Rec office at 507-359-8341 or email shane.omersa@ci.new-ulm.mn.us for any questions and to be put on a mailing list for future notices. This will be a great opportunity to be active, increase your knowledge of trees and help maintain health and enjoyment of the local environment.

Information on Fees & Hours of Facility Operation: Visit us on the web at: www.ci.new-ulm.mn.us Email parkandrec@ci.new-ulm.mn.us or cheryl.kormann@ci.new-ulm.mn.us or call 359-8347. Rec Center, 122 South Garden St., hours: Monday-Friday 5 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Saturday 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Civic Center is located at 1212 N Franklin St. Community Center is located at 600 N German St.