Larry Dolphin, our past naturalist/director was nominated for the Lifetime Achievement in Environmental Education award, which is presented for long-term, outstanding service and contribution to the field of environmental education in Minnesota.

It is intended to recognize the efforts of those people who have had a large-scale, long-term impact in the field. These efforts may have taken the form of publications produced, legislation created, facilities developed, innovative curricula or programs developed, leadership provided to supporting organizations, funding acquired, or any other major contribution to the field.

As his past employer, we are pleased to announce that Dolphin will be recognized on Nov. 6 as a recipient of this prestigious award in Dayton, Minnesota.

As many of you know, Larry is very passionate about the planet we live on and leaving it better for those that follow us. From his teaching classes at our Jay C. Hormel Nature Center to its land management, his involvement with special groups like the Austin Audubon Society and Izaak Walton League of America, he has been and will remain a cheerleader for the environment.

Luke Reese, our new naturalist/director, has been at the helm of the nature center for a couple of weeks now. If you are at the center make sure to give him a warm welcome and introduce yourself.

It is that time of year to think about the annual Halloween Warm-Up. Tickets went on sale Friday, at Super Fresh Produce Bakery and Garden Center.

This year’s Halloween Warm-Up takes place on Friday, Oct. 14 and Saturday, Oct. 15. The first hike is at 6:50 p.m. and the last hike is at 9:10 p.m. The cost is $6 per person and includes a cookie and apple cider.

2016 marks this event’s 33rd year for the partnership with the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center and Matchbox Children’s Theatre.

 Harvest Fest

Be sure to check out the Harvest Fest on Saturday, Sept. 17, in the Austin Municipal Pool parking lot.

There will be a Harvest 5K run/walk starting at 9 a.m. with proceeds benefiting the Mower County food shelves — to register go to mowerrefreshed.org/harvest-5k. There will be many other activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Check out what is coming up for activities this fall and winter. Don’t forget to get your harvest passport stamped at the booth so you can enter to win a prize.

 Riverside Arena

The Austin Riverside Figure Skating Club will offer three free lessons of learn to skate.

Their season will start at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25. Feel free to stop in and check it out. You can bring your own skates or use a pair at the arena. Learn to skate is for new skaters only.

 Volleyball

Registration is open for the parent and child volleyball camp, which starts on Saturday, Sept. 24, and meets the three Saturday mornings after.

Cost is $25 per child participant. This program will be held from 9 to 10 a.m. in Hastings Gym at Austin High School. This camp is geared for second through fourth grade both girls and boys. Participants are encouraged to bring someone 16 and older along with them.

This is a great opportunity for a parent to experience learning a sport with their child. No volleyball experience is necessary. This fundamentals camp will be using stations with instructors teaching movement, vocalization and the basic fundamentals of volleyball.

 Citizen Academy

The Austin Police Department will host the 2016 Citizen Academy 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday’s starting Sept. 13 and going for six weeks. Participants must be an Austin resident or business owner age 21 or older. Fill out your application early as the class size is limited. They are available at the LEC or online at www.ci.austin.mn.us.