DNR Friends Group News
Nature Play Areas at DNR Parks & Trails
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Nature play is both a really old and really new concept, depending on how you think about it. Before plastic toys and playgrounds, nature was the original medium for children’s (and grown-up!) play. Research Some children took advantage of ...
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DNR update: COVID restrictions loosened, goal and project planning
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Summer is now in full swing, and so are our campgrounds, trails, water access sites, and state forest recreation areas. And thankfully they will continue that way as the state avoided a government shutdown when the state legislature came ...
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DNR Update: What’s happening at parks and trails?
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Rejoining our effort Greetings, friends! I am back at work after nearly a year of parental leave, extended by the challenges of COVID. While I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to have spent additional time with my daughter ...
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Friends Group Update from the DNR
A note from Ashley Pethan (Friends Group Coordinator, P&TC) You may remember that Arielle Courtney, the DNR's central point person for friends groups, went on parenthood leave starting in March. She and her husband welcomed a baby girl to the family and have been adjusting ...
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DNR Guest Post from Oliver Liu: North Shore Update
Amidst Arielle Courtney's parental leave, we'll hear from some DNR staff across Minnesota to hear their perspectives. Oliver Liu is the Area 2C Specialist, working on paved trails and water trails out of Two Harbors. Read his story for an update on what's happening on ...
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Spring Changes for DNR Parks and Trails
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Kao Thao, park naturalist, showing kids how to tap a tree to collect sap for maple syrup First of all, congratulations to everyone for making it to March! I hope you enjoyed wonderful wintry outdoor activities and are now ...
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Sharing your park or trail with your family this holiday season
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Sharing your park is caring for your park (or trail!). While some of you may seek solace from the stresses of the holiday season by taking some alone time in nature, don’t forget to bring your friends, family, and ...
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Best ways to help your state park or trail this season
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Fall colors are all but finished and while we consider this the end of our “busy” season in state park and trails, our work is far from over! And there is plenty still to do to make sure buildings, ...
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Rewards and challenges of being a parks and trails manager
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Whenever I tell people I work for DNR Parks and Trails, I usually receive one of several reactions. The first reaction is usually delight at the idea of playing with frogs and butterflies all day, what a lucky person ...
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Demystifying DNR management and master plans
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Management and master plans—sounds familiar, right? You may have heard park and trail staff talk about their management or master plans. Perhaps you have even seen one of these plans or provided input during the planning process. We view ...
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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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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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