Author: Phoebe Ward
DNR Update: MOUs for Friends Groups
Arielle Courtney, DNR Parks & Trails Partnership Development Consultant, shares an opportunity to offer feedback on an updated template Memorandum of Understanding agreement that will be eventually used with all Friends Groups, as well as a reminder about September events.
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Cleaning up at the Gateway State Trail
On August 5th, a group of volunteers gathered at Rotary Park in North Saint Paul to clear out an overgrown stretch of the Gateway State Trail. This event was the opening act in a project led by the Gateway Brown's Creek Trail Association and funded ...
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2023 community-driven trail projects: an update
For a period of time this spring, it was an open question as to whether the Minnesota Legislature would pass a bonding bill. After some political maneuvering from both sides of the aisle, however, the 2023 bonding bill was signed into law by Governor Walz, …
Restoring tree cover at Frontenac State Park
Emerald Ash Borer has devastated the tree canopy across Minnesota, and Frontenac State Park is no exception. Over the last few years, park staff have been forced to remove more than 250 ash trees from the area, with 30 more projected to be removed in …
The Friends of Lashbrook make space for the bees
Did you know Minnesota has a state bee? The Rusty Patched Bumblebee (B. affinis) is a charismatic little insect with a band of coppery fur on its abdomen. But it's facing some steep challenges due to habitat loss, and is currently listed as endangered in the United ...
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Looking Back At 2022: A Friends Group Impact Report
Our Friends Group Partners make many significant contributions on behalf of Minnesota's parks and trails every year. While some of it gets highlighted in emails and newsletters, much of it flies under the radar, despite its incredible value to the park and/or trail in question. ...
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DNR Update: Volunteering Reminders, Planning Progress, and Free Park Day
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR It’s hard to believe it’s already June. Congratulations to all of us on surviving a very, very long winter! I hope many of you were able enjoy the snow, but now let us rejoice in the spring and summer ...
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New Tracks at Belmont County Park
From Friends of the Jackson County Trails Single-tracks, also known as off-road trails, are one to four-foot wide unpaved trails that wind through outdoor spaces. Belmont County Park located eight miles from the City of Jackson and twelve miles from the City of Lakefield, has ...
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Engaging youth service organizations: A Friends Group Partner Primer
Building volunteer capacity is a consistent concern for many Friends Groups. Habitat restoration, event planning, invasives removal, and information gathering can all require many hands on deck, and sometimes, it can be helpful to call on your wider community for assistance. Youth engagement is a ...
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Four Friends Groups receive funding for habitat restoration in 2023
In 2023, Parks & Trails Council partnered with four friends groups to spearhead habitat restoration projects at natural areas around the state. See our recap of their activities below! 2023 by the Numbers $10,000 4 173 291 Funds granted Friends Group Partners Trees and shrubs ...
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2022 Friends Group Habitat Restoration Grants Recap
In 2022, Parks & Trails Council partnered with six Friends Groups to spearhead habitat restoration projects at state and regional parks and trails. See the recap below. 2022 by the Numbers $11,550 $8,174 6 413 717.5 Funds granted Local cash match Friends Group Partners Trees ...
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Webinar: Partnering with Youth Groups
Details Hear from Tony Manzara (Friends of Lake Elmo's Sunfish Lake Park) and Jill Beim (Friends of Tettegouche State Park) about their group's experiences partnering with youth groups. More Webinar Recordings
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DNR Update – a timeline for the planning process and clarifying DNR requirements
Arielle Courtney, DNR Parks & Trails Partnership Development Consultant, shares an update on the DNR’s Friends Group planning process and work to clarify special event requirements.
Intro to Winter Activities at Savanna Portage State Park
From Friends of Savanna Portage If you happen to be in the vicinity of Savanna Portage State Park this winter, you might discover a variety of frost-friendly activities to take part in, courtesy of the newly-formed Friends of Savanna Portage State Park. Coming soon: you ...
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