Friends Groups

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
July 1, 2019

Restoring land by cabins at Sibley

The Sibley State Park Improvement Association teamed up with students from a local charter school to remove invasive vegetation near park camper cabins. Then they planted native trees and shrubs to improve habitat and provide shade and privacy screening.
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friends and youth celebrate having planted a tree
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
June 24, 2019

Youth Engagement Grant Awards – Round 1

Five volunteer-led friends groups will implement youth engagement projects at state parks and trails this year, with support from the Minnesota DNR and funds issued by Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota (P&TC). The projects include organizing field trips, hosting recreation opportunities, and developing hands-on ...
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kids looking over bog through binoculars
June 24, 2019

Friends of Minneopa State Park celebrate summer solstice

From Friends of Minneopa State Park Friends of Minneopa hosted an event with live music to celebrate the summer solstice. Read about this in a story on June 21 by KEYC Mankato: "Friends of Minneopa State Park celebrate summer solstice" Read full story
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June 12, 2019

Volunteers install deer exclosure at Zippel Bay State Park

From Friends of Zippel Bay State Park On Saturday June 8, a group of people gathered at Zippel Bay State Park to construct a deer exclosure—to protect young pine trees in approximately 6 acres of the park from being grazed on and killed by deer ...
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volunteers constructing a deer exclosure fence
June 10, 2019

June Summer Activities at Maplewood State Park

From Friends of Maplewood State Park __________ Michelle Yarmakov / P&TC photo contest Meditation at Maplewood Monday, June 17; 6:30pm-7:15pm “When we get closer to nature—be it untouched wilderness or a backyard tree—we do our overstressed brains a favor” reports National Geographic.  We live busy, ...
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June 6, 2019

Caramel Apple Ride on Lake Wobegon Trail (9/7)

From Lake Wobegon Trails Association Saturday, September 7, 2019  |  Sauk Centre, MN Spend the day riding the great Lake Wobegon Trail Country. Enjoy the fall colors and great apple refreshments at all the rest stops including caramel apples and other treats from local vendors. ...
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branded ride picture with a caramel apple
June 6, 2019

Rail Trails 100: Shuttle out, ride your bike back! (8/3)

From Lake Wobegon Trails Association Saturday, August 3, 2019  |  Fergus Falls, MN The Central Lakes and Lake Wobegon Trails offer some of the best trail riding in the state of Minnesota, and this is your chance to conquer both of them in one day! ...
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group of riders under the St. Joseph sign
May 30, 2019

Friends of Scandia to Implement Pollinator Projects this Summer

From Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails As summer begins, the Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails embarks on a number of projects to continue improving pollinator habitat, engage local community members, and advance support for parks and trails. Pollinator Planting Management The 1-acre native ...
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Two women take a quick break from clearing buckthorn
May 29, 2019

Bridge installed across Cannon River for the Mill Towns State Trail

From Friends of the Mill Towns State Trail A bridge was put into place on Friday, May 24 on the west side of Hwy 21 over the Cannon River for the Mill Towns State Trail. Once complete, the bridge and newly constructed section of trail ...
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crane installing a trail bridge over a river
May 22, 2019

[CANCELLED] Trail Family Fun Day on the Gateway-Brown’s Creek Trail on July 13

From Gateway-Brown's Creek Trail Association [CANCELLED] Saturday, July 13, 9 am to 12pm Get out on the trail for some summer fun, adventure, and a scavenger hunt! The Gateway-Brown’s Creek Trail Association is hosting a family fun day on Saturday, July 13. Guests will enjoy ...
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Gateway horses and bikers
May 22, 2019

Community Celebrates Annual Bike to Work Day in Jackson

From Friends of the Jackson County Trails On May 16th, 2019, Friends of the Jackson County Trails hosted the annual Bike to Work Day event at Ezekiel’s Wheel Bike Shop. Several folks stopped down and rode a new Bike Share System bike for the City ...
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Man on a bike-share bike in front of the market