Dakota County Parks and the Minnesota Institute of Astrophysics bring the night sky to life. Astronomer Mike Lynch presents a short talk and slide show on our solar system. If weather allows, attendees can view the sky through multiple 8-inch reflecting telescopes. The Institute staff also provides free star maps and shows visitors how to use them. Cost of the presentation is $10 per person and registration is required.

Join the Vermillion Stewards and Friends of the Mississippi River (FMR) in exploring landscape for the river in a workshop on native plants, raingardens, lawn and sidewalk care, and other methods of protecting and improving water quality in the Vermillion River. The workshop takes place in a new venue for the Vermillion Stewards — The Angry Inch Brewery in Lakeville, 20841 Holyoke Ave., a new taproom serving “Angry beer for happy people.” Sample the suds while learning how to turn your backyard into a river friendly force for clean water. Topics include how to reduce runoff from sidewalk salt, landscape with native plants, install a rain barrel, compost yard waste, and create your own raingarden. This free event requires pre-registration. Contact FMR (or visit the FMR website) to reserve your place.

Join Trout Unlimited (TU) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for a volunteer work day at the DNR Vermillion River Aquatic Management Area to clear invasive species from the banks of the South Branch, one of the Vermillion River’s trout streams. While anyone is welcome to work, a core group of TU volunteers, the Vermillion Riverkeepers, has been clearing invasive species and restoring this great prospective fishing destination for the past few years, donating hundreds of hours to the project. Volunteers will meet at the property, which is west of Hwy. 52 near 200th St. E. (Co. Rd. 66) on Saturday, October 29, 2016, at 9 a.m. After battling the buckthorn (and other invasive plants), volunteers will be provided lunch. To register for the event, contact TU habitat restoration chair Tony Nelson, who will send out an email before the event providing details on what to wear and what to bring.