A reminder that adult softball and kickball registration deadline is Monday.

Information on all leagues can be found on the city website at www.ci.austin.mn.us and Facebook. You will need to have your entry fee, roster and player fees paid for by 5 p.m. in the Park and Recreation office located at 121 4th Avenue NE.

Summer activity registration has started and we have lots of opportunities for available for all ages. You will also find information on the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center classes as well as area sports or non-sports camps.

If you do not have a child in school the information is also available on the city website.

We all enjoy spring and the warm weather that comes with it. It is this time of year that everyone can get behind with mowing as spring rains do not always work with our schedules.

Keep in mind that the City of Austin does have a long grass and weed ordinance in place. You can find the ordinance in its entirety on the city website; city code section 10.13.

The following is the first statement of the ordinance: It is unlawful for any owner, occupant or agent of any lot or parcel of land in the city to allow any noxious weeds as defined in Minnesota Statutes Sections 18.77 and 21.72 or grass growing upon any such lot or parcel of land to grow to a greater height than 8 inches.

The following areas and types of vegetation are exempted from this provision if managed in a manner so as not to become infested with weeds or to create a stagnant, foul-smelling condition.”

Thank you to all that joined in the fun on April 21 to celebrate the 45th Earth Day event and learn more about the new interpretative center project at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center. On May 3 there will be a Friends of the Nature Center-only event from 1 to 3 p.m. titled “Tree and Spring Ephemeral Plant Hike” with Tom Butusov our naturalist intern.  If you are interested in becoming a “Friend” of the Nature Center there is information on the website at www.hormelnaturecenter.org/get-involved.

Spring bird watching will begin in May:  Thursday May 7, Tuesday May 12 and Tuesday May 19 at 6:30 a.m. Meet in the Nature Center parking lot and hike the trails for about an hour and a half to see a variety of colorful migrating birds. Binoculars will be provided upon request only.  This event is co-sponsored by the Austin Audubon.

Our most popular pavilions are filling up fast for summer rentals. If you are planning a family or friends-get-together remember to call our office soon to secure your park pavilion location. The Ruby Rupner Auditorium located at the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center is also a rentable venue.  For information on availability please call the center at 507-437-7519.