Friends Groups

October 19, 2021

Friends are committed to addressing invasive plants

From Friends of Chester Woods There is a never-ending battle going on in Olmsted County Parks to limit the spread of invasive plants. This effort is under the direction of park staff with the help of the Friends of Chester Woods (FOCW) and other volunteers. ...
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invasive plants loaded to transport
October 12, 2021

Lake Maria Messenger – Fall 2021

From Friends of Lake Maria State Park In This Issue Stargazing Park news Campsite cooking Nature Day reflection Click image to view newsletter Go to friends' main page
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September 30, 2021

Friends raise funds for trail environmental assessment and more

Amidst the pandemic, Friends of the Lake Vermilion Trail has been quite busy. First, they formalized from a work group to a nonprofit organization in August of 2020. Then, they immediately hit the ground running to raise money—one of the main reasons for formalizing the ...
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volunteer flagging for environmental assessment
September 10, 2021

Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods seeks new Board Member

From Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Position: Board Member Posting date: September 10, 2021 Contact: detertnorth@gmail.com Overview Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park’s mission is preserving and enhancing the experience of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. The friends group has a volunteer ...
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a group poses with their newly picked prairie seeds
August 31, 2021

Meet Chisago County Parks & Trails Foundation

Since the '90s, Chisago County Parks & Trails Foundation has played a critical role in developing trails in the county. Their efforts to spread awareness, promote the benefits of trails, and raise money have contributed to the development of the Sunrise Prairie Trail and Swedish ...
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group gathered under banner and cutting a ribbon
August 31, 2021

Volunteers organize Leaf Days at Maplewood State Park

Each year, thousands of visitors flock to Maplewood State Park for the annual Leaf Days celebration. Over the course of two weekends, kids and families can immerse themselves in activities—from hikes and wagon rides to look at the changing leaves to making apple cider and ...
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August 12, 2021

Photo Contests

Details Photo contests are a great way for friends groups to engage their members and offer an opportunity for photographers to showcase their skills. Watch this webinar to hear about some photo contest best practices and learn from some friends groups who conduct photo contests ...
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July 30, 2021

Glendalough Park Partners are the volunteer stewards of the park

A few short years after Glendalough State Park was established in 1991, volunteers banded together to form the Glendalough Park Partners. Their dedication and generosity are reflected in the quality experience this park offers. Everything from the modern restrooms to the trail signs, from prairie ...
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Eight people gathered in outdoors
July 21, 2021

Lake Maria Messenger – Summer 2021

From Friends of Lake Maria State Park In This Issue Scavenger Hunt Park News Biting Flies Backpacking Jack-in-the-pulpit Click image to read Go to friends' main page
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July 14, 2021

Land Acquisition

Details Land acquisition is one way that Parks & Trails Council helps to preserve and protect public lands in Minnesota. And, friends groups can help! Join this webinar to better understand how P&TC approaches land acquisition and learn how your friends group can support these ...
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July 9, 2021

Gateway Brown’s Creek Trail Association

Trail advocates who go the extra mile

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Brass band playing in parking lot
July 6, 2021

Meet the Central Lakes Trail Association

Central Lakes Trail Association is the state trail's very own "cheerleading team." The Association is a group of community representatives from towns along the Central Lakes State Trail, and they promote the trail to bikers, locally as well as from across the region and country. ...
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July 1, 2021

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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hikers stand and rest while physical distancing
June 25, 2021

Youth nature discovery kits now available at library near Tettegouche

Kids and families can now check out nature discovery kits from the Silver Bay Public Library, thanks to Friends of Tettegouche State Park. The discovery kits provide an introduction to the natural world, sparking curiosity while exploring different nature topics: Animal Tracks & Signs Birds ...
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kids flower books on a black background
June 18, 2021

Through the Gateway – Summer 2021

From Gateway Brown's Creek Trail Association In This Issue President's Letter DNR Update Events: Earth Day & National Trails Day River Market Coop Sponsor Drinking Fountain Project Click image to download Go to friends' main page
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