Nature Play Areas represent an innovative approach to connect kids to nature. There has been growing interest from communities and friends groups to install Nature Play Areas at parks and trailheads in Minnesota.
We’re thrilled to partner with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on this webinar. You’ll hear directly from their staff, who will provide insight into the “Nature Play Area Guidance Document.”
Stacy Smith has a Masters of Landscape Architecture degree from the U of M, with nearly 17 years of experience working in design. Ms. Smith has spent ten of those years working in the park and recreation field; having worked on county and regional park systems and with the DNR Parks and Trails Division for seven years. She has worked on the creation of the Nature Play Area Guidance Document and helped with the planning of several nature play areas. (pronouns: she/her/hers)
Katy Gillispie retired in 2015 from Post Consumer Brands (formerly Malt-O-Meal Company), where she was most recently Corporate Environmental Manager. A master naturalist since 2013, she is especially interested in monarch butterflies and growing native plants at her home in Dennison, MN. She volunteers at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park in the warm months and with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program in the winter.
Norma retired from her role as a Rural Postal Mail Carrier, and she also worked as an Elementary School Teacher. She has an interest in nature and enjoy working with the State Park staff to preserve the natural beauty of the park. She says her Friends membership has been very rewarding.
