Author: Lisa Filter

Outdoor clubs: An antidote to loneliness, political divisions, and more

Solitude in nature is precious—just you, the birds, and the trees—there’s nothing else like it. But, sometimes, the fellowship that comes from sharing the outdoors brings another kind of benefit. Unfortunately, busy schedules and competing demands make it challenging to connect with others. Cue in ...
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Special Places Winter 2023

From the President | Land Update | Legislative Agenda | Outdoor Clubs | Research Project | Camden State Park highlight
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Newsletter cover features an eagle gliding over water

In memory of parks champion Dave Durenberger

Memorial service to be live streamed Feb. 7 at 10 am. As the tributes to Senator Dave Durenberger continue to pour in following his passing on Jan. 31 at the age of 88, there is a common thread that runs through all of them. Sen. …

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Former farm cleanup underway at future William O’Brien addition

February 1, 2023 Cleaning up a century-old farm takes time. They have a tendency to collect more than just memories. Stuff abounds, from the long-forgotten broken tractors to the more recent refrigerators--not to mention personal items in the house. So, when Parks & Trails Council ...
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List of outdoor clubs in Minnesota

Getting outdoors with other people is so beneficial on so many levels. Check out our list of clubs to help you get out there. Go to List
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December 12, 2022

Our latest research initiative reveals user profiles at 3 mountain bike trail systems

Last summer, Parks & Trails Council worked with Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) to conduct visitor surveys, and user counts at three mountain bike areas across the state: Lake County Split Rock Wilds, Winona Bluffs Traverse, and Tioga Recreation Area. The reports detailing the results of this research were published in November 2022.
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Covers of three reports
December 12, 2022

How climate change affects Minnesota and our parks and trails

According to Dr. Kenny Blumenfeld, a climatologist with the Minnesota State Climatology Office and the guest speaker on our Dec. 7 webinar, our state is already warmer and wetter, and this change is expected to become more pronounced in the coming decades.
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Historic, stone-pillar bridge crossing a rushing river
November 1, 2022

Parks & Trails Council assumes official ownership of former Boy Scout Camp along Lake Shetek

On Oct. 31, two years after being the highest bidder during a live auction, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota (P&TC) assumed ownership of an 80-year-old former Boy Scout camp on the wooded shores of Lake Shetek in southwest Minnesota. Patience and diligence proved essential in this deal, which ultimately protected the land from being subdivided into five private estates.
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Grassy field dotted with oak trees along a lake shore
November 1, 2022

FAQs on our Lake Shetek Project

Who owns the land now? On October 31, 2022, P&TC became the official owner of the land. Why did it take so long after the auction for P&TC to become the landowners? On October 24, 2020, Parks & Trails Council secured this land with the ...
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Grassy field dotted with oak trees along a lake shore
September 7, 2022

Special Places Autumn 2022

From the President | Grant: Pollinator Habitat | Reuel Harmon Award to Sen. Carrie Ruud | Land Project for Checkerboard Park | Nature Play Areas | Whitewater State Park and its friends
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Sen. Carrie Ruud

Senator who stands up for parks and trails
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Friends of Whitewater State Park

Friends building a strong park

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May 25, 2022

Lawmakers stall on bonding bill, special session debated

The Minnesota Legislature adjourned on Monday, May 23rd without an agreement to pass a number of major supplemental finance bills, a tax bill, or a bonding bill. While House Speaker Melissa Hortman, Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller, and Governor Tim Walz struck a deal the ...
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Minnesota State Capitol
May 24, 2022

Scavenger hunt adventures return to most Minnesota parks this summer

Let the scavenger hunting begin! Parks & Trails Council is bringing back the popular scavenger hunts to most Minnesota State Parks, plus four local parks this summer. These hunts are a great way for park-goers to hone their observation skills and learn to identify some of the diversity of species in the parks. 
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