August 22, 2019

William Kelley Students Combine Cycling with Science

From Gitchi-Gami Trail Association Gitchi-Gami Trail Association received a $1,000 youth engagement grant from Parks & Trails Council. They are partnering with William Kelley school to get kids on bikes for a field trip on the Gitchi-Gami Trail and to a nearby state park. Learn ...
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Bikes and people in front of Continental Ski & Bike Shop
August 21, 2019

Off-road cycling trail coming to Belmont Park

From Friends of the Jackson County Trails Friends of the Jackson County Trails has been working hard to develop an off-road trail for mountain biking, hiking, and snowshoeing. Read the article in The Globe August 21 edition: "Off-road cycling trail coming to Belmont Park" Read ...
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Mountain biker on trail overlooking lake
August 14, 2019

Border Bike: The Official Interstate Ride IA/MN on August 24

Bike the to the border and beyond! Prairie Visions is supporting the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail Association in hosting an Iowa to Minnesota bike ride. The event includes multiple bike route options. Family Route: 22 miles round trip, entirely on the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail ...
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Border Bike Ride banner with trail
August 14, 2019

Willard Munger State Trail improvement projects temporarily close two bridges

The MnDNR has temporarily closed two trail bridges on the Willard Munger State Trail starting July 29, as crews work to improve the bridge surface. The bridges will re-open after Sept. 30. The two closures are located at:
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August 13, 2019

Fly tying and fishing at Maplewood State Park

Maplewood’s first fly fishing class was presented by fly fishing enthusiast and Friends of Maplewood member, Scott Stenshoel. The program introduced participants to the “art” of fly fishing , along with instruction of the “art” of “home-made” fly-tying. Each participant geared up with fly rods ...
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Colorful handmade flies
August 2, 2019

Youthful Stewardship and Other News at Glendalough State Park

From the Glendalough Park Partners summer 2019 newsletter: During the past few years, Walk for Glendalough participants have witnessed the enthusiasm and involvement from a growing number of young people. In fact, a few area students have become annual award recipients for pledges they have ...
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walk awardees post for a group photo with their prizes
July 31, 2019

Gitchi-Gami’s Annual Bike Ride – Through the Years

This year's ride On August 17, 2019, Gitchi-Gami Trail Association (GGTA) will host its 19th Annual North Shore Bike Ride. The recreational ride starts at Gooseberry Falls State Park and takes you along the scenic Gitchi-Gami State Trail. There are multiple route options: 55-mile, 34-mile, ...
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Bike ride info over picture of tandem riders coming over a bridge
July 31, 2019

Friends steadfast support continues to help trail

The Gitchi-Gami Trail Association (GGTA) continues to bolster support for and development of the state trail along Minnesota's North Shore. When completed, the trail will run for approximately 86 miles, from Two Harbors to Grand Marais (see map). Currently, just over 30 miles are completed ...
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Two people biking on a paved path
July 30, 2019

Top 3 reasons to attend a Friends Group Regional Workshop

An update from MN-DNR, Arielle Courtney I hope everyone is enjoying the peak of summer and finding extra excuses to spend time outdoors as August brings thoughts of back-to-school time and fall’s approach. August is also a great time to be thinking about upcoming Friends ...
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group picture outside with all workshop attendees
July 25, 2019

Working with Friends to improve landscapes at seven state parks

Trees, trees, trees! Earlier this spring, volunteers, young and old, could be found with shovels in hand at seven state parks—Blue Mounds, Lake Bemidji, Minneopa, Sibley, Tettegouche, and Whitewater—where they were planting and protecting trees (and shrubs) in key areas of the landscape.
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volunteers planting trees
July 25, 2019

Report reveals time to invest in state trails is now

The second edition of our “State of the Trails” report is out. Building on our previous efforts, this report provides a comprehensive assessment of the condition of all 22 paved state trails in Minnesota.
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July 23, 2019

Heartland Trail Spur gets county support

From Heartland Itasca Spur Citizen Committee A member of the Heartland Itasca Spur Citizen Committee presented a resolution in support for the Heartland Spur Trail at a county commissioners meeting, which was approved unanimously by the board of commissioners. Read the full article in the ...
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bicyclists on trail in Dorset
July 18, 2019

Itasca State Park to dedicate new amphitheater

From Minnesota DNR The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Friends of Itasca will host a dedication event on Saturday, July 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., for the new Lake Itasca Amphitheater at Itasca State Park. The dedication will take place at the ...
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July 18, 2019

Help Guide the Future of Anderson Park

From Friends of Anderson Park - The Isanti County Parks Department is preparing an updated master plan for Irving and John Anderson Park. Recently, the county purchased an additional 236 acres of land along Horseshoe and Horseleg Lakes. With the additional parkland, there are new ...
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Isanti Co Anderson Park boardwalk
July 18, 2019

Pollinator Survey – Butterflies, Beetles, and Bees, Oh My!

From Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails Sunday, August 11, 10am-12pm Join us for a special event at William O'Brien State Park where you'll learn to identify and survey our fascinating native pollinators! No experience needed. Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails is partnering with the MN DNR to ...
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Bee on purple flower