State Park Friends
Painting the park office at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
On Oct 5, 2024 a group of 14 volunteers ranging in age from 9 to 75 painted the park office building in approximately 5 hours. The office had not been painted in over 20 years. Photos by Nancy Duffield, member of Friends of Nerstrand Big …
Two Friends Groups receive funding for field trip grants in 2024
Parks & Trails Council decided to pilot an updated version of its youth engagement grant in 2024. Two Friends Groups were selected for this initial year of funding, with projects intended to foster a greater appreciation for Minnesota's rich natural heritage in the next generation. ...
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Improving the view at Frontenac State Park
The Frontenac State Park Association couldn’t have picked a better day. Sandwiched between days of forecasted rain, Wednesday, May 29th dawned clear and sunny, with a cool breeze that alleviated the early-summer heat. Frontenac State Park was in its element, bursting with green foliage, colorful ...
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Three Friends Groups receive funding for habitat restoration in 2024
Three Friends Groups have received funding for habitat restoration in 2024. These projects will address a variety of habitat-related issues at state and regional parks, including the restoration of bird habitat around a wildlife blind, creative erosion control measures at a high-traffic picnic area, and ...
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Mulch and mud pies: a nature play area opens at Tettegouche
After three years of hard work, the Friends of Tettegouche held the ribbon-cutting ceremony for their Nature Play Area on Saturday, August 26th. The play area, which is designed to be ADA-accessible and includes a variety of play features, is located at the park’s High ...
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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 …
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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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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Friends of Savanna Portage State 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 Savanna Portage State Park Mission The mission of the Friends of Savanna Portage State Park is to support ...
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New trail at Sibley made possible with P&TC land
A long-awaited 3-mile, paved, multi-use trail has been completed at Sibley State Park. This scenic trail meanders through the prairie for a uniquely peaceful experience. Plus, its current endpoint— a tunnel under Hwy. 71—foreshadows an exciting next phase.
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Eight friends groups receive grants from P&TC in 2022
Parks & Trails Council continued its popular Friends Group grant program in 2022 by issuing grants ranging from $350-$3,450 to eight friends groups. As a stewardship partner to specific parks and trails, Friends Groups can play a significant role in supporting habitat restoration efforts, trail ...
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Friends joined park manager interview process
From Friends of Lake Maria State Park It Never Hurts to Ask Like the average person, I guess, I’m not very good at asking for assistance in most endeavors. However, when the Park Manager’s position opened up at Lake Maria State Park, it occurred to ...
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2021 Friends Group Habitat Restoration Grants Recap
In 2021, Parks & Trails Council partnered with nine friends groups to spearhead habitat restoration projects at state and regional parks and trails. See the recap below. 2021 by the Numbers $7,500 $4,360 9 82 8.5 921 Funds granted Local cash match Friends Group Partners ...
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