While 2024 may technically be the Year of the Dragon, up at the Community Garden on Good Counsel Hill, it feels more like the Year of the Rabbit.

Rabbits seem to have taken over the Community Garden this summer, prompting gardeners to put up fencing around their individual plots to keep the voracious herbivores at bay. From nests of babies (see photo) to the big fellas who seem to be bent on eating all the greens they can get their adorable paws on, this year is rife with rabbits.

"They ate all our beans!" said LEC Program Manager Cora Uiygue...

LEC is honored that our Community Garden is home for the marigolds growing for Mankato's Day of the Dead Celebration in October. On Saturday, June 8th Day of the Dead Committee Members, other community members, and LEC staff and volunteers gathered to bless the seeds, plants, and land.

The ceremony was Indigenous Women-led and rooted in Mesoamerican Indigenous cultural practices. After the ceremony those in attendance planted...

School is officially out for the summer. Parents, the LEC Library has got you covered with our collection of kid's activity books. From cookbooks to outdoor activity books, there is something to keep all the kiddos entertained this summer!

We have a small but mighty assortment of books for kids of all ages. Stop by the library (at our office at 1603 N Riverfront Dr in Mankato) Monday - Thursday from 10am - 2pm, or email info@livingearthcentermn.org to schedule a time to visit. Enjoy some popcorn, do some coloring, check out a book or two, and discover new ways to get in touch with nature this summer!