February 8, 2019

Acquiring a rare pebble beach for Tettegouche State Park

Stunning. That’s how most people think of Minnesota’s Lake Superior shoreline. Yet, amid all the scenery, only a meager number of public beaches exist allowing people to stroll up to the water’s edge; giving a chance to gently step into the frigid water—well at least ...
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January 31, 2019

A Busy Candlelight Event at Frontenac

From Frontenac State Park Association On Saturday, January 19, the moon was nearly full—2 days prior to the moon's eclipse. About 100 people came to experience Frontenac State Park by candlelight. A one-mile loop trail was set up with almost 200 ice candles and paper ...
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candle within an ice holder
January 31, 2019

2019 Grant Resources Guide is Available

Find funding for your Minnesota park or trail by perusing the 2019 Grant Resources Guide. Each year, Parks & Trails Council gathers information about grant programs that friends groups may be interested in applying for directly or in supporting a public land agency in their ...
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January 31, 2019

Meet the Glacial Ridge Trail Association

From Glacial Ridge Trail Association The outstanding resources along the Glacial Ridge Trail are primarily the result of the last major glaciation of West Central Minnesota. The massive amount of ice, thousands of feet in thickness and loaded with unnumbered tons of rock material, ceased ...
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January 31, 2019

Meet Friends of Oxbow

From Friends of Oxbow Large bends in rivers are often called “oxbows” due to their resemblance to oxen harnesses. Because of that, the oxbow around the main picnic area of the park inspired the park’s name when the first 465 acres of land were purchased ...
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Snowman and lighted arch for winter event
January 23, 2019

Special Places Newsletter – Winter 2019

Inside this issue: Our land project for Tettegouche Our 2019 legislative priorities State trails on Google Streetview Meet: Lake Vermilion Trail Work Group Meet: board member Anne Flueckiger

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Cover image of 2019 Winter newsletter
January 22, 2019

Friends Groups Make an Impact through Grant Program

P&TC secured $50,000 of grant funding from the Henry S. Crosby Foundation in order to launch a multi-year initiative to engage friends groups in implementing habitat restoration projects in state parks. In 2018, five friends groups each received a $5,000 grant to spearhead a location-appropriate, ...
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a group poses with their newly picked prairie seeds
January 22, 2019

2018: A Busy Year for Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails

From Friends of Scandia Parks and Trails In 2018 we continued to work towards enhancing public green spaces in Scandia. We hosted three talks in Scandia, including a citizen science program, and we partnered with the Marine Community Library on two other presentations. Our group ...
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group picture in the woods
January 22, 2019

Winter at Zippel Bay Includes Skis and Candlelight

From Friends of Zippel Bay State Park The first candlelight ski of the 2019 season went splendidly. We had gorgeous weather, with temperatures in the upper 20s that evening, and a wonderful turnout of 56 people who signed in, with many more who did not. ...
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a strong fire outside
January 10, 2019

Meet the Sibley State Park Improvement Association

A group of local park supporters, along with an active chapter of the Game Protective League, were key drivers in establishing Sibley State Park in 1919. Then, in 1935, the Sibley State Park Improvement Association was established to help enhance and enlarge the park while also ...
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photographer and horseback riders
January 7, 2019

Whitewater State Park Turns 100 – Time to Celebrate!

From Friends of Whitewater State Park Mark your calendars—2019 is going to be a busy year at Whitewater. To celebrate the park's 100th birthday, Friends of Whitewater State Park is working with the DNR to organize and facilitate a series of events. Each month features ...
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January 7, 2019

Brews & BBQ for Blue Mounds

From Friends of Blue Mounds State Park Clear your calendars for January 12th. Friends of Blue Mounds is excited to announce a partnership with Take 16 for a full day of activities! Enjoy a BBQ lunch, bingo and brews before the candlelight hike, and then ...
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January 6, 2019

Winter Fun Day at Lake Maria on Jan. 19, 2019

From Friends of Lake Maria State Park This season's Winter Fun Day at Lake Maria will happen on Saturday, January 19, 2019. Some of the exciting activities happening that day are listed below. A winter camping demonstration, which includes a presentation on Wilderness First Aid ...
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The log cabin looks warm amidst the snow in the winter
December 27, 2018

Candlelight Ski Party at Frontenac State Park on Jan. 19

From Frontenac State Park Association - Everyone is invited to Frontenac State Park’s Candlelight Ski / Showshoe / Walk Party on Saturday, January 19th from 5 - 8 p.m. Come join in the annual candlelight event. Enjoy a hike, ski, or snowshoe on 2 different ...
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December 18, 2018

Meet the Lake Wobegon Trails Association

From Lake Wobegon Trails Association - In the early 1990s, the Albany Jaycees, a civic-minded organization, saw the abandoned railroad line running through their town and saw potential to transform it into a trail. Their vision turned into action as they embarked on a multi-year ...
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a few bikers cross a bridge