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2021 Annual Dinner Photo Gallery
Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2021 Annual Dinner
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Volunteers organize Leaf Days at Maplewood State Park
Each year, thousands of visitors flock to Maplewood State Park for the annual Leaf Days celebration. Over the course of two weekends, kids and families can immerse themselves in activities—from hikes and wagon rides to look at the changing leaves to making apple cider and ...
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Parks & Trails Fun Quiz – August
Trees of Minnesota 2021 August - Fun Quiz 1 / 4 Which of these tree species makes up the largest volume of Minnesota's forests? Quaking Aspen Shagbark Hickory Sugar Maple Hackberry Here are the top 10 trees in Minnesota and their estimated volume in million ...
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Special Places Newsletter – Summer 2021
From the President | Legislative Session Recap | Land Project for Goodhue Pioneer State Trail | Outdoors news briefs | Glendalough State Park
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Despite early concerns, strong outcome for parks and trails
It took a special session of the Minnesota Legislature to keep Minnesota’ s financial affairs in order, but a new two-year $52 billion state budget was passed in late June and went into effect on July 1. Despite a tumultuous session, a government shutdown was avoided, state parks remained open and most of the policy items P&TC worked to secure as part of our legislative agenda fared well.
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Glendalough State Park
Tranquility on the lakesWhen entering this quiet park, you're greeted by a self-help kioskA wooden bench alongside the creek that is canoeable.Historic lodge in picnic area has memorabilia on display inside.Quiet lakeshore on Annie Battle LakePrairie Smoke on the prairie in the park. Walt Huss/P&TC ...
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Parks & Trails Fun Quiz – June
2021 June - Fun Quiz 1 / 4 What percent of visitors participate in birdwatching while at a state park (based on a 2017 Visitor Survey by the MnDNR)? 57% 37% 17% 7% Four years ago, about 17% of state park visitors who were surveyed ...
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Securing the missing link to extend the Goodhue Pioneer State Trail
For years, the northern segment of this trail came to an abrupt end at a dirt road in Hay Creek Township. Across the road lay an overgrown field marked with a private property sign.
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Grantees begin restoring habitat with in-person events
Grantees have begun restoring habitat at parks across Minnesota. Under P&TC's habitat restoration grant program, friends groups are planting trees, removing invasive species, and helping to establish native woodland species. See the albums below for a sneak peak into some of these projects. Friends of ...
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Amidst COVID, friends group launches new grant program and recruits board members
Grants for Interpretive Activities Schools, youth groups, and individuals can now apply for funds to carry out interpretive activities at Wild River State Park. The grants would cover a wide variety of activities—they just need to focus on learning and take place in the park. ...
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Olmsted County breaks ground on new nature center at Oxbow Park
From Friends of Oxbow Plans and fundraising are underway for developing a new nature center at Oxbow Park. Read the update on Olmsted County's website: "Olmsted County breaks ground on a new nature center at Oxbow Park" Watch project videoMore about the friends
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Where Gretchen the Lion once roared, park visitors will soon stroll
You wouldn’t guess it by strolling the grounds today, but the property Parks & Trails Council acquired for Charles A. Lindbergh State Park in 2020 was once famous for the menagerie of wild animals that lived there when it was the home of the Smuda Zoo.
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Volunteers support bluebirds on Gateway State Trail
Bluebirds along the Gateway State Trail enjoy a helping hand from volunteers with the Gateway Brown’s Creek Trail Association (GBCTA). Since 2014, the friends group has maintained 16 houses each year, installing them in spring, monitoring the nests throughout summer, and cleaning and storing the ...
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Redwood County announces new camper cabins
Redwood County’s one and only park, Plum Creek Park, is proud to announce the addition of camper cabins for the 2021 camping season.
