Friends Groups

March 15, 2018

Loon Program at Lake Maria State Park

By Friends of Lake Maria MONTICELLO – Lake Maria State Park will host an outdoor photography program at the park’s nature center on Saturday, March 24, beginning at 1p.m. Noted outdoor photographer John Pennoyer returns to Lake Maria to share tips on Common Loons and …

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March 9, 2018

Friends from around the state gather for Day on the Hill

On March 8, some 60 parks and trails supporters from across the state gathered for Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota's annual Day on the Hill event.
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Group shot of the 2018 Day on the Hill attendees
February 5, 2018

Meet Friends of Father Hennepin

They created the Friends of Father Hennepin, a group that continues to work closely with park staff as a source of volunteer labor, fundraising and community support for the park.
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Friends and GreenTouch volunteers cleaning up the park
February 5, 2018

Friends of Glacial Lakes State Park

Parks & Trails Council is proud to partner with this independent friends group.Parks & Trails Council cannot accept donations on behalf of this friends group. Banner photo: zjohnson16/FlickrCC Friends of Glacial Lakes State Park Mission Help promote, protect and preserve the natural beauty and natural ...
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February 5, 2018

Meet the Friends of Glacial Lakes State Park

“This place is a hidden gem,” says Glacial Lakes State Park president Jolene Moen. Part of the beauty is perhaps the quiet nature of the park, where visitors can often look across miles of rolling hills and not see a soul. Yet, these Friends know that the more people visit, the more they value it and invest in its preservation.
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January 29, 2018

Candlelight Hike at Lake Maria State Park

Lake Maria State Park’s annual Candlelight Hike will be held on Saturday, February 3,2018 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. An approximately one-mile of trail through the Lake Maria forest will be lit by candle luminaries.  The trail begins and ends at the heated trail …

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January 10, 2018

Frontenac State Park Association to Host Candlelight Ski Party Jan 27

From Frontenac State Park Association Everyone is invited to Frontenac State Park’s Candlelight Ski / Showshoe / Walk Party on Saturday January 27 from 5 – 8 p.m. Come join in the annual candlelight event. Enjoy a hike, ski, or snowshoe on 2 different lit …

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Woman skiing at Frontenac
January 8, 2018

Friends of Scandia Activities in 2017

From Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails In 2017, Friends of Scandia implemented a number of initiatives, including educational programs, supporting Scandia Parks, and participating in events. See below for a quick review. Educational Programs Our activities for 2017 were focused on three educational programs. ...
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group picture

Winter Fun Day at Lake Maria State Park

By Friends of Lake Maria MONTICELLO — Please join the Friends of Lake Maria for our annual Winter Fun Day at Lake Maria State Park from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday January 20, 2018. A number of indoor and outdoor events are planned, …

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January 3, 2018

Plans focus on upgrading Camden residence

By Marshall Independent LYND — The Minnesota State Park System is working toward a plan that will re-purpose Jason Holm’s boyhood home. Plans are in place to convert the former park manager’s residence into a guesthouse. It will be available to families, youth groups, community …

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Swimming area at Camden by Jon Wood
December 18, 2017

Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission announces Legacy Grant Recommendations for FY19

By The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission was established in 2013 to carry out system planning and provide recommendations to the legislature for grants funded by the Legacy Parks and Trails fund to counties and ...
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sunset over lake
November 27, 2017

Retirement Open House/Coffee & Cake

Saturday, December 9, 2017 1 to 4:00 p.m. Nerstrand Big Woods Visitor Center It has been a privilege to serve the last 12 years as manager at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. As visitors you also play an important role in the stewardship of the …

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Retiring park manager Elain Feikema
October 30, 2017

Shooting Star State Trail Extended Three Miles

This fall, the Shooting Star State Trail got a little closer to its goal of connecting into the city of Austin. On September 15 a ribbon cutting was held for the 3-mile extension running north from the town of Rose Creek, along County Road 56. …

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Group cutting ribbon on new segment of Shooting Star State Trail
October 29, 2017

Clean up the Park Day

Help prepare trails and park facilities for the winter season. Tools will be provided. Register by calling the park so we can plan the workload.
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October 26, 2017

Halloween Howl at Lake Maria

family friendly spooky tales perfect for a chilly fall evening
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Jack O'Lantern