Point Pleasant in Clermont County isn't one of the Tristate's more popular destinations. But it has something special: the birthplace of U.S. Grant, 18th president (1869-1877) and commander in chief of Union forces during the Civil War.

        From 1-3 p.m. today , people will gather at the site, on U.S. 52, to celebrate his 180th birthday.

        The Ohio Light Artillery, Battery L, will encamp there. Guest speakers and Irish folk musicians will appear.

        Postmaster Patti Akers will bring a special stamp (a small cannon) to cancel letters on the site. New Richmond and Clermont County historical societies will display artifacts.

        “We'll probably have a birthday cake after the program,” said curator Loretta Fuhrman. “I don't think President Grant gets the proper attention that other presidents get. We need to promote him better.”

        His three-room white cottage, built in 1817, has been restored and stocked with period furnishings. In Grant's day, it sat next to his father's tannery, near Big Indian Creek.

        Once, the cottage was placed on a railroad flat car and sent on tour across the country.

        Through Oct. 31, the site will be open Wednesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. It closes for lunch from noon to 1 p.m.

        Admission, $1 for adults, 50 cents for children and 75 cents for seniors.

        Information: 553-4911.

        COLLEGE HILL — College Hill Gardeners, a group interested in civic beautification and community education, will hold a plant sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. today in the lot at Llanfair and Hamilton Avenue.

        Plants include a variety of perennials, herbs, shrubs and trees grown by members of the newly formed gardening group. A children's activity is planned at no charge. Funds from the sale will support green initiatives planned for the community.

        Information: Beth McLean, 300-6168.

        HAMILTON — David Brinkman and the Gilmore Ponds Conservancy will conduct a bird walk at 8 a.m. today at Gilmore Ponds in Hamilton.

        The group will check out waterfowl, warblers and other kinds of birds.

        Meet in the Hamilton Center parking lot at 3400 Symmes Road.

        For more information, see the conservancy's Web site at www.gilmoreponds.org.

        Information: 1-877-PARKFUN.

        MASON — The city will sponsor its 11th annual Earth Walk today. Gather at 10 a.m. at the shelter house at the Lou Eves Municipal Pool, 6249 Mason-Montgomery Rd.

        The walk starts at 10:30 a.m.

        All ages are welcome. No pre-registration.

        HAMILTON — Students from Butler County will read winning entries for the Riverbank Poetry Project's Fifth Annual Student Poetry Competition at 7 p.m. May 14.

        A reception to honor the young poets will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts, 101 S. Monument Ave.

        Information: 863-8873.

        Randy McNutt's community column appears on Saturday. Contact him at the Enquirer, 7700 Service Center Dr., West Chester, Ohio 45069. Telephone: 755-4158. Fax: 755-4150. E-mail: Rmcnutt@enquirer.com.

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