Author: Ashley Pethan

August 29, 2019

Fall Festival at Anderson Park on Sept. 21

From Friends of Anderson Park Anderson Park’s 10th Annual Fall Festival is happening on Saturday, September 21! Both old and new activities are planned, with something for everyone:  live animals, a climbing hill, a climbing wall, a wetland plant tour, canoeing/kayaking, new spotting scopes on ...
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Overlooking Horseleg Lake adjacent to land P&TCM acquire for the park
August 26, 2019

Community members fix donated bikes to give to kids

From Friends of the Jackson County Trails Thirty bikes of all sizes were donated by the police department and other in order to be cleaned and fixed and given to local kids. Volunteers gathered at the Jackson Fairgrounds to transform the bikes and ensure they ...
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Bikes in various states of repair
August 22, 2019

William Kelley Students Combine Cycling with Science

From Gitchi-Gami Trail Association Gitchi-Gami Trail Association received a $1,000 youth engagement grant from Parks & Trails Council. They are partnering with William Kelley school to get kids on bikes for a field trip on the Gitchi-Gami Trail and to a nearby state park. Learn ...
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Bikes and people in front of Continental Ski & Bike Shop
August 21, 2019

Off-road cycling trail coming to Belmont Park

From Friends of the Jackson County Trails Friends of the Jackson County Trails has been working hard to develop an off-road trail for mountain biking, hiking, and snowshoeing. Read the article in The Globe August 21 edition: "Off-road cycling trail coming to Belmont Park" Read ...
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Mountain biker on trail overlooking lake
August 14, 2019

Border Bike: The Official Interstate Ride IA/MN on August 24

Bike the to the border and beyond! Prairie Visions is supporting the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail Association in hosting an Iowa to Minnesota bike ride. The event includes multiple bike route options. Family Route: 22 miles round trip, entirely on the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail ...
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Border Bike Ride banner with trail
August 13, 2019

Fly tying and fishing at Maplewood State Park

Maplewood’s first fly fishing class was presented by fly fishing enthusiast and Friends of Maplewood member, Scott Stenshoel. The program introduced participants to the “art” of fly fishing , along with instruction of the “art” of “home-made” fly-tying. Each participant geared up with fly rods ...
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Colorful handmade flies
August 2, 2019

Youthful Stewardship and Other News at Glendalough State Park

From the Glendalough Park Partners summer 2019 newsletter: During the past few years, Walk for Glendalough participants have witnessed the enthusiasm and involvement from a growing number of young people. In fact, a few area students have become annual award recipients for pledges they have ...
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walk awardees post for a group photo with their prizes
July 31, 2019

Gitchi-Gami’s Annual Bike Ride – Through the Years

This year's ride On August 17, 2019, Gitchi-Gami Trail Association (GGTA) will host its 19th Annual North Shore Bike Ride. The recreational ride starts at Gooseberry Falls State Park and takes you along the scenic Gitchi-Gami State Trail. There are multiple route options: 55-mile, 34-mile, ...
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Bike ride info over picture of tandem riders coming over a bridge
July 31, 2019

Friends steadfast support continues to help trail

The Gitchi-Gami Trail Association (GGTA) continues to bolster support for and development of the state trail along Minnesota's North Shore. When completed, the trail will run for approximately 86 miles, from Two Harbors to Grand Marais (see map). Currently, just over 30 miles are completed ...
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Two people biking on a paved path
July 30, 2019

Top 3 reasons to attend a Friends Group Regional Workshop

An update from MN-DNR, Arielle Courtney I hope everyone is enjoying the peak of summer and finding extra excuses to spend time outdoors as August brings thoughts of back-to-school time and fall’s approach. August is also a great time to be thinking about upcoming Friends ...
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group picture outside with all workshop attendees
July 23, 2019

Heartland Trail Spur gets county support

From Heartland Itasca Spur Citizen Committee A member of the Heartland Itasca Spur Citizen Committee presented a resolution in support for the Heartland Spur Trail at a county commissioners meeting, which was approved unanimously by the board of commissioners. Read the full article in the ...
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bicyclists on trail in Dorset
July 18, 2019

Itasca State Park to dedicate new amphitheater

From Minnesota DNR The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Friends of Itasca will host a dedication event on Saturday, July 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for the new Lake Itasca Amphitheater at Itasca State Park. The dedication will take place at the ...
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July 18, 2019

Help Guide the Future of Anderson Park

From Friends of Anderson Park - The Isanti County Parks Department is preparing an updated master plan for Irving and John Anderson Park. Recently, the county purchased an additional 236 acres of land along Horseshoe and Horseleg Lakes. With the additional parkland, there are new ...
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Isanti Co Anderson Park boardwalk
July 18, 2019

Pollinator Survey – Butterflies, Beetles, and Bees, Oh My!

From Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails Sunday, August 11, 10am-12pm Join us for a special event at William O'Brien State Park where you'll learn to identify and survey our fascinating native pollinators! No experience needed. Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails is partnering with the MN DNR to ...
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Bee on purple flower
June 28, 2019

Meet DNR’s New Parks and Trails Partnership Consultant

The DNR has created a new staff position—Parks & Trails Partnership Consultant—that will invest energy in variety of partner-related initiatives across the state. Arielle Courtney takes on that role, transitioning from her position at the DNR as a Principal Planner. Parks & Trails Council looks ...
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Arielle Courtney by BWCA Wilderness Sign