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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Special Places Newsletter – Summer 2019
In this issue:
Research: State of the Trails Report
Land Protection: Temperance River State Park
Public Policy: Session recap
Community: Partnering on habitat projects
Memoriam: Martin Kellogg
Commnuity: Lake Wobegon Trail Association
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Restoring land by cabins at Sibley
The Sibley State Park Improvement Association teamed up with students from a local charter school to remove invasive vegetation near park camper cabins. Then they planted native trees and shrubs to improve habitat and provide shade and privacy screening.
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Meet DNR’s New Parks and Trails Partnership Consultant
The DNR has created a new staff position—Parks & Trails Partnership Consultant—that will invest energy in variety of partner-related initiatives across the state. Arielle Courtney takes on that role, transitioning from her position at the DNR as a Principal Planner. Parks & Trails Council looks ...
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Youth Engagement Grant Awards – Round 1
Five volunteer-led friends groups will implement youth engagement projects at state parks and trails this year, with support from the Minnesota DNR and funds issued by Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota (P&TC). The projects include organizing field trips, hosting recreation opportunities, and developing hands-on ...
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Friends of Minneopa State Park celebrate summer solstice
From Friends of Minneopa State Park Friends of Minneopa hosted an event with live music to celebrate the summer solstice. Read about this in a story on June 21 by KEYC Mankato: "Friends of Minneopa State Park celebrate summer solstice" Read full story
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Volunteers install deer exclosure at Zippel Bay State Park
From Friends of Zippel Bay State Park On Saturday June 8, a group of people gathered at Zippel Bay State Park to construct a deer exclosure—to protect young pine trees in approximately 6 acres of the park from being grazed on and killed by deer ...
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June Summer Activities at Maplewood State Park
From Friends of Maplewood State Park __________ Michelle Yarmakov / P&TC photo contest Meditation at Maplewood Monday, June 17; 6:30pm-7:15pm “When we get closer to nature—be it untouched wilderness or a backyard tree—we do our overstressed brains a favor” reports National Geographic. We live busy, ...
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Caramel Apple Ride on Lake Wobegon Trail (9/7)
From Lake Wobegon Trails Association Saturday, September 7, 2019 | Sauk Centre, MN Spend the day riding the great Lake Wobegon Trail Country. Enjoy the fall colors and great apple refreshments at all the rest stops including caramel apples and other treats from local vendors. ...
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