Our Friends Group program expands

We’re happy to announce the expansion of our Friends Group program with the creation of the staff position of Friends Group Coordinator. We welcome Jen Lasar to this role that will be dedicated to fostering and enhancing the efforts of the many volunteer-based groups working on behalf of Minnesota’s parks and trails.

“Friends Groups have always been important partners in our work,” said Brett Feldman, executive director of Parks & Trails Council. “And now we hope to strengthen these partnerships for an even more vital parks and trails system.” The connection between P&TCM and Friends Groups was forged from the beginnings of the organization, as it was born of discussions by the Friends of Itasca State Park in the 1950s. They realized that having a group to advocate for the whole park system could make a big difference for each individual park. Since then we helped to add trails into the system and work vigorously to enhance both.

Jen has been involved with Friends Groups in various ways, including currently serving on the board of Friends of Lindbergh Heritage and with Lake Wobegon Trails Association. Jen is an avid bike rider who has been a staple on our annual bike rides in the past. She previously worked at the Little Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau.