Regional Park Friends

January 31, 2019

Meet Friends of Oxbow

From Friends of Oxbow Large bends in rivers are often called “oxbows” due to their resemblance to oxen harnesses. Because of that, the oxbow around the main picnic area of the park inspired the park’s name when the first 465 acres of land were purchased ...
Read More
Snowman and lighted arch for winter event
January 31, 2019

Friends of Oxbow

Parks & Trails Council is proud to partner with this independent friends group.Parks & Trails Council cannot accept donations on behalf of this friends group. Friends of Oxbow Mission Support the educational, environmental, and recreational goals of Oxbow Park. Friends Since 1982 Website Facebook Friends ...
Read More
Oxbow 2018 tree cookie
January 22, 2019

2018: A Busy Year for Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails

From Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails In 2018 we continued to work towards enhancing public green spaces in Scandia. We hosted three talks in Scandia, including a citizen science program, and we partnered with the Marine Community Library on two other presentations. Our group ...
Read More
group picture in the woods
December 3, 2018

Friends of Indian Heights Park

Parks & Trails Council is proud to partner with this independent friends group.Parks & Trails Council cannot accept donations on behalf of this friends group. Friends of Indian Heights Park Mission Provide stewardship, advocacy, and education to actively preserve, restore, and respect the endangered environment ...
Read More
boy scout troop at habitat restoration event
November 30, 2018

Friends of Chester Woods finds a unique way to raise money

From Friends of Chester Woods While the Friends of Chester Woods has a strong membership base, we struggle to grow that membership. The main reason we believe people are reluctant to become members is because park visitors must pay to enter the park. Because of this ...
Read More
November 26, 2018

Friends of Lashbrook Park

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota is proud to act as the fiscal sponsor for Friends of Lashbrook Park.Friends of Lashbrook Park Mission Preserve, maintain, and enhance Lashbrook Park as a natural, passive park for all people in all seasons to enjoy nature and refresh ...
Read More
October 3, 2018

Color Me Fall Event at Bertram Chain of Lakes Park

A fun, fall event took place last weekend at Bertram Chain of Lakes Park with family-friendly activities like hay rides, fall crafts, archery, s'more-making, and more!
Read More
January 8, 2018

Friends of Scandia Activities in 2017

From Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails In 2017, Friends of Scandia implemented a number of initiatives, including educational programs, supporting Scandia Parks, and participating in events. See below for a quick review. Educational Programs Our activities for 2017 were focused on three educational programs. ...
Read More
group picture
December 18, 2017

Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission announces Legacy Grant Recommendations for FY19

By The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission was established in 2013 to carry out system planning and provide recommendations to the legislature for grants funded by the Legacy Parks and Trails fund to counties and ...
Read More
sunset over lake
July 7, 2017

Friends of Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota is proud to act as the fiscal sponsor for Friends of Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park.As a fiscal sponsor, we partner to advance their cause and provide the tools and building blocks to run a nonprofit, including receiving, ...
Read More
7 people with safety vests
May 31, 2017

Otter Creek – The Life Line of the Park

Otter Creek begins in the southwest swamp area of Birch Lake. There may be other minor sources but it is hard to tell. It begins and passes through the land that in 1879 belonged to Juilia Bertram, wife of George Bertram. It should be noted that George Bertram died in 1879, leaving this land and several plots of land on West River Street to his wife.
Read More
otter creek
January 26, 2017

Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota is proud to act as the fiscal sponsor for Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails.Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails Mission Protect and enhance the parks, trails, open space and natural areas in the City of Scandia. Friends Since ...
Read More
Swallowtail butterfly on a flower
February 16, 2016

Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails look to make city pollinator friendly

From Forest Lake Times Members of the Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails are trying to make the city more desirable for pollinating bugs, such as butterflies and bees.
Read More
Bee on purple flower
December 28, 2015

Friends of Anderson Park

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota is proud to act as the fiscal sponsor for Friends of Anderson Park.As a fiscal sponsor, we partner to advance their cause and provide the tools and building blocks to run a nonprofit, including receiving, holding and administering funds ...
Read More
hiker in winter on boardwalk
October 1, 2015

Banding together to save a natural gem

Anderson Park in Isanti County is an almost perfect example of what can be accomplished when a family, a government body and a group of willing and active volunteers come together.In 2007, the Anderson family began talking to Isanti County about selling their 174-acre farm to the county.
Read More
hiker in winter on boardwalk