After socializing and playing a “Guess the State Park” icebreaker game, we heard from two planners from the MNDNR, Kent Skaar and Stacy Smith, who shared about recent state park and trail projects.
Some exciting updates from the MNDNR include plans to improve accessibility at Fort Snelling State Park, following the completion of similar projects at William O’Brien State Park. Trail rehabilitation is underway along the Root River State Trail near Houston, where riverbank erosion has damaged a portion of the trail. Additionally, improvements to the Casey Jones State Trail near Lake Shetek State Park have been completed.
After the speakers finished their presentations, we hiked and biked along the recently completed Minnehaha Trail, which connects Fort Snelling State Park to Minnehaha Park. The bikers got to see Minnehaha Falls, and the hiking group was greeted by a peaceful doe crossing the Pike Island Bridge. Despite the hot weather, we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon building community with our Magney Circle supporters.
Inspired by the legacy of our founder, Judge C.R. Magney, the Magney Circle is made up of individuals who have made a gift of $500 or more in membership support. If you would like to join the Magney Circle, please visit https://parksandtrails.org/support/donate/