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Priorities for 2022 legislative session
Letter from Parks & Trails Council President. If we've learned anything during the pandemic it is how important parks and trails are to all of our lives. And while the explosion in their use has been especially pronounced over the past two years, the truth of the matter is that growth in visitation is well evidenced over the past decade.
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Welcome along on a forest bath
Forest bathing: what an intriguing term. Have you heard about this idea? If you’re like me, you’ve seen the idea popping up here and there, but have never come across a satisfying explanation of what it is, exactly. So, when I saw an opportunity to participate in a 2-hour, guided forest-bathing session at a nearby park, I jumped at the chance to finally figure out this mystery.
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Meet Friends of Sunfish Lake Park
A small, but mighty, group of volunteers banded together five years ago to stand as a symbol of stewardship for Lake Elmo's Sunfish Lake Park. One of their primary activities has been creating and operating the nature center in the park. In addition, they host ...
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DNR Update – Gratitude, new leadership, and 2022 goals
An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR I hope everyone is staying well and enjoying the holiday season so far as we approach the end of the year. I can confidently say on behalf of the DNR and all of the staff you work with at ...
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Grow the Land Fund Goal Reached!
When P&TC’s Land Fund was stretched to its max with recent land acquisitions, we reached out to our members to ask for help in funding this critical tool. And you all responded in force to ensure P&TC’s work of acquiring land for parks and trails …
Parks & Trails Fun Quiz: October
What's in a name? Test your knowledge of the origin, meaning and other fun facts about Minnesota parks and trails names. October 2021 Fun Quiz 1 / 5 The Gitchi Gami State Trail derives its name from an Anishinabe (Ojibwe) word that means what? ...
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2021 Annual Dinner Photo Gallery
Thank you to everyone who participated in our 2021 Annual Dinner
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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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Parks & Trails Fun Quiz – August
Trees of Minnesota 2021 August - Fun Quiz 1 / 4 Which of these tree species makes up the largest volume of Minnesota's forests? Quaking Aspen Shagbark Hickory Sugar Maple Hackberry Here are the top 10 trees in Minnesota and their estimated volume in million ...
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Special Places Newsletter – Summer 2021
From the President | Legislative Session Recap | Land Project for Goodhue Pioneer State Trail | Outdoors news briefs | Glendalough State Park
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Despite early concerns, strong outcome for parks and trails
It took a special session of the Minnesota Legislature to keep Minnesota’ s financial affairs in order, but a new two-year $52 billion state budget was passed in late June and went into effect on July 1. Despite a tumultuous session, a government shutdown was avoided, state parks remained open and most of the policy items P&TC worked to secure as part of our legislative agenda fared well.
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Glendalough State Park
Tranquility on the lakesWhen entering this quiet park, you're greeted by a self-help kioskA wooden bench alongside the creek that is canoeable.Historic lodge in picnic area has memorabilia on display inside.Quiet lakeshore on Annie Battle LakePrairie Smoke on the prairie in the park. Walt Huss/P&TC ...
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Gateway Brown’s Creek Trail Association
Trail advocates who go the extra mileParks & Trails Council of Minnesota is proud to announce our 2021 Friends Group Partner Award goes to the GBCTA. This is the second year P&TC has recognized a friends group with this award, and the accompanying $500 grant, which the friends group can use to continue its great work on behalf of the trail.T
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Parks & Trails Fun Quiz – June
2021 June - Fun Quiz 1 / 4 What percent of visitors participate in birdwatching while at a state park (based on a 2017 Visitor Survey by the MnDNR)? 57% 37% 17% 7% Four years ago, about 17% of state park visitors who were surveyed ...
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Securing the missing link to extend the Goodhue Pioneer State Trail
For years, the northern segment of this trail came to an abrupt end at a dirt road in Hay Creek Township. Across the road lay an overgrown field marked with a private property sign.
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