Friends Groups
Border Bike: The Official Interstate Ride IA/MN on August 24
Bike the to the border and beyond! Prairie Visions is supporting the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail Association in hosting an Iowa to Minnesota bike ride. The event includes multiple bike route options. Family Route: 22 miles round trip, entirely on the Wapsi-Great Western Line Trail ...
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Fly tying and fishing at Maplewood State Park
Maplewood’s first fly fishing class was presented by fly fishing enthusiast and Friends of Maplewood member, Scott Stenshoel. The program introduced participants to the “art” of fly fishing , along with instruction of the “art” of “home-made” fly-tying. Each participant geared up with fly rods ...
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Youthful Stewardship and Other News at Glendalough State Park
From the Glendalough Park Partners summer 2019 newsletter: During the past few years, Walk for Glendalough participants have witnessed the enthusiasm and involvement from a growing number of young people. In fact, a few area students have become annual award recipients for pledges they have ...
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Gitchi-Gami’s Annual Bike Ride – Through the Years
This year's ride On August 17, 2019, Gitchi-Gami Trail Association (GGTA) will host its 19th Annual North Shore Bike Ride. The recreational ride starts at Gooseberry Falls State Park and takes you along the scenic Gitchi-Gami State Trail. There are multiple route options: 55-mile, 34-mile, ...
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Friends steadfast support continues to help trail
The Gitchi-Gami Trail Association (GGTA) continues to bolster support for and development of the state trail along Minnesota's North Shore. When completed, the trail will run for approximately 86 miles, from Two Harbors to Grand Marais (see map). Currently, just over 30 miles are completed ...
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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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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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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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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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