The Friends of Lake Maria State Park
Providing a visitor-friendly experience
Lake Maria State Park northwest of Monticello is not one of the largest parks in the state’s system by any stretch of the imagination, but the volunteer group that supports it may be one of the most dedicated. Friends of Lake Maria State Park president Nancy Dart gives us the lowdown on her group and the work it does.
Tell us about the Friends of Lake Maria State Park.
Generally, our group supports and protects the park and its natural resources and assists Park Manager Mark Crawford and his staff in making it a pleasant and worthwhile experience for visitors. Specifically, we help conduct and promote interpretive programs and events, sponsor activities that enhance responsible park use, provide an active pool of volunteers, raise money for non-budget park needs and communicate with elected and appointed government and community officials, most often through the Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota. We have 70-plus members. Our membership dues are $10 for individuals, $20 for families and $50 for companies, and they are tax-deductible.
What initiatives is your group currently working on?
We are working closely with the park manager to plan and conduct programs for this coming fall and winter. We are especially excited about two special events that relate to the state’s sesquicentennial observance – a Pioneer Picnic on Saturday, Sept. 13, and a Halloween Howl on Saturday, Oct. 25. We are also considering combining our annual Candlelight Ski and Winter Fun Day events, providing the weather cooperates. Another important initiative is supporting the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment that will appear on the Nov. 4 ballot.
Why would you encourage someone to visit Lake Maria State Park?
No. 1 – the beauty of the park. Lake Maria is one of the last remnants of the Big Woods that once stretched from the Faribault area to St. Cloud. The park’s maple-oak-basswood forest covers 1,580 acres of rolling terrain, dotted with small lakes and woodland marshes. Number two – Activities that include camping (three camper cabins, 17 secluded backpack sites and two group camps), hiking (14 miles), cross-country skiing (22 kilometers) and horseback riding (six miles). Then, there is fishing, boating, canoeing and picnicking. Number three – the frequent and wide variety of educational programs for children and adults is impressive.
If you had to reveal Lake Maria State Park’s best-kept secret, what would it be?
That’s a tough question. For me, it’s the variety of wildlife that includes deer, beaver, fox, otters, wild turkeys, plus more than 200 bird species ranging from eagles to ospreys to trumpeter swans to bluebirds. In addition, there are a number of amphibians and reptiles, including the Blanding’s turtle, which is a threatened species. Also, the park sports a number of interesting wildflowers, grasses and shrubs.
How can people get involved with the Friends of Lake Maria State Park?
My suggestion is to get on the park’s Web site at www.mnstateparks.info for general information. Then visit the park for a hike, a nature program or both. Membership forms are available in the office and the nature center, or you can call the park at (763) 878-2325. New members are always welcome.
