Trail Builder Martin Kellogg

Standing up for Minnesota's Great Outdoors

Behind every successful park or trail effort you will find a Trail Builder, an individual that shepherded the dream into reality, giving time, money or both in pursuit of the goal. The following is a Q & A feature on one such Trail Builder -- Martin Kellogg. Thanks in large part to his vision and his persistence, Minnesota's great outdoor treasures will be there for future generations!

Q: How did you get involved in protecting parkland?
Growing up in Minnesota often involved outdoor experiences such as hunting and fishing where city limits were quite visible and an open countryside nearby. It was a place where there could hardly be a thought that wide-open outdoor experiences would ever be in short supply. It was a landscape where "No Trespassing" signs were rare.

That idyllic impression of the outdoors began to fade in the early ‘60s as population and disposable incomes increased and urban sprawl became familiar in word and deed. It was about that time that I happened to become involved in a committee established by the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce with a charter to study and recommend ways to boost "Tourism and Outdoor Recreation" in Minnesota.

Following a yearlong study, the committee identified many opportunities. Gov. Elmer L. Andersen (1960-1962), who also served on the committee, was behind an idea to designate the St. Croix River as a Wild and Scenic River. This idea really struck home for I had earlier discovered the Snake River tributary to the St. Croix where I had spent many pleasant days canoeing and fishing.

The Snake River was almost a secret, winding through woods and dairy farms on its way to join the St. Croix. Almost instantaneously I began noticing ads in the paper for riverfront lots on the Snake. Before long, I met the seller who described an ingenious discovery of river hideaways at dairy farm prices. The understanding struck me right between the eyes that the great outdoors I loved was forever "For Sale" and in an accelerating mode. Thus began a second career as a volunteer rescuer of the outdoors.

Q: What motivates you to continue this effort?
Each person who can recite a similar awakening to action and resolve will know what I have experienced — a deep satisfaction with our mutual accomplishments and a realization that we need not stand alone, jaws agape, and watch our natural world slip away.

One of our good friends in this movement often expressed a concern that there were too many conservation-oriented organizations and that we should all band together in a single powerful organization. I argue that we need them all, each with its mission and focus, and each building its band of volunteers ready to reach out on a critical issue in a united effort while not losing sight of its special objectives.

That is why I not only have been an active member of the Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota for more than 40 years, but also active or supportive of a number of other organizations committed to protecting our great outdoors.

Q: What do you see on the horizon for parkland protection efforts?
With these many organizations needing support, it is sometimes difficult to give each its just returns in labor or funds. Such a situation is a good time for creative thinking. Perhaps a remainder gift in a will or trust will resolve the dilemma. In some cases idle assets such as a life insurance policy could be directed.

My only regret is that there have not been more days to enjoy the comradeship of the good hearts and minds that frequent the bastions of protection for our natural resources. Yet I am more than rewarded by a vision that someday there will be still another person walking through some parkland wondering as I have wondered, who were the thoughtful people whose foresight kept this beautiful landscape free of development and free for the public to enjoy?

The Parks & Trails Council has many Trail Builder stories of people giving their time, talents and resources to build parks and trails. A contribution to Parks & Trails helps energize and train more trail builders, and preserve and protect special places for generations to come.