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DNR solicits 2018 park and trail grant applications
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division is accepting applications for the following grant programs: outdoor recreation, natural and scenic areas, regional trails, local trail connections and federal recreational trails. These grants help local governments throughout the state create partnerships with the …
DNR Volunteer Opportunities: Lighting candles and more
The Minnesota DNR is looking for volunteers for a variety of opportunities across the state including assisting with several candlelight ski/walk events at Fort Snelling, Frontenac, Lake Carlos and Gooseberry Falls State Parks. Other opportunities include assisting with conducting surveys to monitor spruce grouse populations. …
Give to the Max Day a Success
We want to send a big thank you to the roughly 180 people who donated to Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota on Give to the Max Day. We made our matching challenge of $16,000 and then people kept giving. By the end of the …
Shooting Star State Trail Extended Three Miles
This fall, the Shooting Star State Trail got a little closer to its goal of connecting into the city of Austin. On September 15 a ribbon cutting was held for the 3-mile extension running north from the town of Rose Creek, along County Road 56. …
Clean up the Park Day
Halloween Howl at Lake Maria
Maplewood State Park Sugar Shack Dedication
Applications open for $8.6 million in Legacy grants
From MnDNR Groups that want to restore, protect or enhance public land can apply for Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) grants that help pay for work on Minnesota prairies, forests, wetlands or other habitat for fish and wildlife. Nonprofit organizations and government entities are eligible to …
Adding a new view to Frontenac?
At the border of Frontenac State Park, near it’s entrance, lays 158.82 acres of land that holds outstanding natural beauty and a view to behold. Earlier this year the owner put the land up for sale, thus presenting a small window of opportunity to protect …
Making Minnesota’s trails count, one person at a time
In 2015, Parks & Trails Council initiated a program to collect data on how many people use Minnesota State Trails. That study was just the start, however, and we’re excited to announce we are expanding the program in 2017 with the addition of automated trail …
Supporter & Board Member Spotlight: Dorothy Anderson
Our members’ stories are essential to our story. The deep connection we all have with the places preserved as parks and trails provide inspiration to continue to advocate for these special places. Here is board member Dr. Dorothy Anderson’s story. As the eldest of 11 …
Most parks in the U.S. suffering from noise
Listen!… What do you hear? According to a May 5 report in the magazine Science, chances are high that even if you’re in a park, what you’re hearing is human-created sounds—and they’re muffling out the natural ones. Researchers measured noise levels at 500 sites across …
We’re hiring!
Legislative Session ends with mixed bag for parks and trails
The 2017 legislative session is finally over. Minnesota lawmakers wrapped up a four-day special session early Friday morning, and Gov. Dayton signed most of the bills into law on Tuesday following the Memorial Day holiday. While there are still a few outstanding issues at the …
