State Trail Friends

Meet the Friends of Munger South

Dave Auchter saw a problem that he couldn’t afford to ignore. A longtime user of the historic Willard Munger State Trail, he had had front-row seats to the slow degradation of the trail’s asphalt surface. A popular thoroughfare for hikers and bikers, the trail had ...
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March 7, 2024

Friends of Munger South

Parks & Trails Council is proud to partner with this independent friends group.Parks & Trails Council cannot accept donations on behalf of this friends group. Friends of the Munger South Mission A grassroots organization of cycling enthusiasts that advocates for improvements of the Willard Munger ...
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Friends help secure major funding for trail extension

Overall, this was a good year for parks and trails, but especially so for the Mill Towns Trail, which saw an incredible $8.19 million investment from the 2023 bonding bill. The Friends of Mill Towns State Trail were instrumental in making it happen. Over the …

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Group of 11 people standing on an outdoor plaza

Cleaning up at the Gateway State Trail

On August 5th, a group of volunteers gathered at Rotary Park in North Saint Paul to clear out an overgrown stretch of the Gateway State Trail. This event was the opening act in a project led by the Gateway Brown's Creek Trail Association and funded ...
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Field trip brings students to plant native seeds on the Gitchi Gami Trail

Earlier this spring, 37 students from Cook County Public Schools stepped out of their school, hopped on their bicycles, and peddled the Gitchi Gami State Trail, where they helped restore native landscaping. The field trip was a hands-on event that brought together bicycle safety, natural ...
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Elementary students in yellow safety vests on a trail

Four Friends Groups receive funding for habitat restoration in 2023

In 2023, Parks & Trails Council partnered with four friends groups to spearhead habitat restoration projects at natural areas around the state. See our recap of their activities below! 2023 by the Numbers $10,000 4 173 83 Funds granted Friends Group Partners Trees and shrubs ...
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The Friends of Lashbrook Park pose for a photo
June 14, 2022

Minnesota Valley State Trail Friends Group

Parks & Trails Council is proud to partner with this independent friends group.Parks & Trails Council cannot accept donations on behalf of this friends group. Minnesota Valley State Trail Friends Group Mission The Minnesota Valley State Trail Friends Group is currently the planning stages. They ...
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Land along the planned trail
March 31, 2022

Community Support for the Mill Towns State Trail

Friends of the Mill Towns State Trail has been a steadfast supporter and local advocate for the Mill Towns State Trail. From advocacy to financial contributions, the friends continue to work behind the scenes to move trail development forward throughout the trail corridor. The group's ...
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March 31, 2022

Friends of the Casey Jones Trail Overview

From Friends of the Casey Jones State Trail Association Friends of the Casey Jones State Trail Association is garnering community support for trail development. Read the article in Redwood Gazette March 24, 2022 edition: "Friends of the Casey Jones State Trail" Read the full story
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new paved trail segment with fields on each side
March 15, 2022

Eight friends groups receive grants from P&TC in 2022

Parks & Trails Council continued its popular Friends Group grant program in 2022 by issuing grants ranging from $350-$3,450 to eight friends groups. As a stewardship partner to specific parks and trails, Friends Groups can play a significant role in supporting habitat restoration efforts, trail ...
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kids filling a hole of a newly planted tree
March 1, 2022

2021 Friends Group Habitat Restoration Grants Recap

In 2021, Parks & Trails Council partnered with nine friends groups to spearhead habitat restoration projects at state and regional parks and trails. See the recap below. 2021 by the Numbers $7,500 $4,360 9 82 8.5 921 Funds granted Local cash match Friends Group Partners ...
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group of volunteers stands next to buckthorn pile
February 10, 2022

2022 Legislative Monitoring: Community-driven trail projects

We support volunteer friends groups to advocate for trail projects in their communities. The table below highlights key actions that have been taken on this priority issue during the 2022 Legislative Session. We will work to update this table throughout the session. Casey Jones State ...
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man bicycling on fresh pavement
December 17, 2021

Through the Gateway – Fall/Winter 2021

From Gateway Brown's Creek Trail Association In This Issue President's Letter DNR Update Native Plant Restoration Volunteers Award Click image to read newsletter Go to friends' main page
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November 1, 2021

Capital Investment Committee hears pitch for Casey Jones Trail Funding

From Friends of the Casey Jones State Trail Association Friends of the Jackson County Trails has been working hard to develop an off-road trail for mountain biking, hiking, and snowshoeing. Read the article in Pipestone County Star October 29 edition: "Capital Investment Committee hears pitch ...
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new paved trail segment with fields on each side
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