News – Page 2 – Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

October 7, 2020

Membership Tracking Template

Details This virtual training shows how to use the membership data tracking template. Download the Excel template and walk through how to enter, evaluate, and export data. More Webinar Recordings

October 6, 2020

Lake 21 now fully encompassed within Sibley State Park

Lake 21 is serene, wilderness-like place whose fate is now secured to remain that way. On October 5, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota (P&TC) sold land to the MnDNR that brings the entire shoreline of this lake under the management of Sibley State Park.

Five adults working with clippers and gloves near rock mound

October 2, 2020

Meet the Friends of Blue Mounds State Park

When Blue Mounds State Park’s lost its swimming lake to a flood in June 2014, there was robust debate about whether to rebuild the dam that created the lake. The ultimate decision to not rebuild led to the formation of a citizen advisory group in 2017. Their goal: plan the park’s new future.

hikers stand and rest while physical distancing

October 1, 2020

Friends Group Update from the DNR

A note from Ashley Pethan (Friends Group Coordinator, P&TC) You may remember that Arielle Courtney, the DNR's central point person for friends groups, went on parenthood leave starting in March. She and her husband welcomed a baby girl to the family and have been adjusting ...

September 22, 2020

Youth Field Trips

Details Hear from four different friends groups about their experiences with coordinating youth field trips at parks and trails. More Webinar Recordings

September 16, 2020

Citizen Science

Details Hear from Andrea Laurek Strauss with UofM Extension about what citizen science is, why it's important, and how you can become a citizen scientist! Organized by Whitewater State Park and Friends of Whitewater State Park More Webinar Recordings

Bicyclist on paved trail approaching a bridge

September 14, 2020

GBCTA Seeks Two Board Officers: Webmaster and Newsletter Editor

From Gateway Brown's Creek Trail Association The GBCTA is looking for trail-enthusiasts willing to share their talents and time fulfilling key roles within the board. We are currently seeking a Webmaster and incoming Editor in Training for the chapter newsletter. Find the descriptions and responsibilities ...

September 3, 2020

Exploring the Nature Play Areas at Chester Woods Park

From Friends of Chester Woods After participating in P&TC's webinar about nature play areas, Ernie with the Friends of Chester Woods decided to put together a video that highlights the nature play areas at Chester Woods Park. Tune in to the video below to learn ...

September 1, 2020

Trail group continues steadfast support amidst pandemic, refreshes logo

Meet the Friends of the Casey Jones State Trail Association Recently, the friends group played a crucial role in helping to advocate for funding needed to design, engineer, and pave (most) of a five-mile section of the Casey Jones State Trail. This new segment of ...

August 26, 2020

Nature Play Areas

Details Learn about Nature Play Areas from Stacy Smith with DNR Parks and Trails. Hear from Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park about their experience, helping to plan, design, and construct a nature play area at their park. More Webinar Recordings

Rock strewn across lake at the headewaters

August 24, 2020

Shoreline restoration project planned for Mississippi Headwaters in Itasca State Park

The work will restore the original river channel width and stabilize the streambank at the headwaters site. The project is designed to minimize closure time to accommodate park visitors. Work will begin early October after the peak tourism season. Access to the site will be restricted for a five-day period.