News – Page 3 – Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota

Webinar: Geology and Scenery of Minnesota’s North Shore

About this webinar What makes natural scenery beautiful? There are many answers to that question, but geology is often part of the answer. In this presentation on Minnesota’s scenic North Shore, Dr. Fitz will share ideas and photographs of how the geology of the region …

April 3, 2023

Engaging youth service organizations: A Friends Group Partner Primer

Building volunteer capacity is a consistent concern for many Friends Groups. Habitat restoration, event planning, invasives removal, and information gathering can all require many hands on deck, and sometimes, it can be helpful to call on your wider community for assistance. Youth engagement is a ...

Testifying for Trail Maintenance at Minnesota Capitol

We are grateful to have had the opportunity to testify at the Minnesota Senate Capital Investment Committee this week. Andrew Oftedal, P&TC’s research and policy manager, presented our State of the Trails Report, which categorized the condition of every mile of trail. Our analysis shows …

Conference room with two people at table presenting to semi-circular table of legislators.

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 ...

The Friends of Lashbrook Park pose for a photo

2022 Friends Group Habitat Restoration Grants Recap

In 2022, Parks & Trails Council partnered with six Friends Groups to spearhead habitat restoration projects at state and regional parks and trails. See the recap below. 2022 by the Numbers $11,550 $8,174 6 413 717.5 Funds granted Local cash match Friends Group Partners Trees ...

March 2, 2023

Webinar: Partnering with Youth Groups

Details Hear from Tony Manzara (Friends of Lake Elmo's Sunfish Lake Park) and Jill Beim (Friends of Tettegouche State Park) about their group's experiences partnering with youth groups. More Webinar Recordings

Outdoor clubs: An antidote to loneliness, political divisions, and more

Solitude in nature is precious—just you, the birds, and the trees—there’s nothing else like it. But, sometimes, the fellowship that comes from sharing the outdoors brings another kind of benefit. Unfortunately, busy schedules and competing demands make it challenging to connect with others. Cue in ...

In memory of parks champion Dave Durenberger

Memorial service to be live streamed Feb. 7 at 10 am. As the tributes to Senator Dave Durenberger continue to pour in following his passing on Jan. 31 at the age of 88, there is a common thread that runs through all of them. Sen. …

Former farm cleanup underway at future William O’Brien addition

February 1, 2023 Cleaning up a century-old farm takes time. They have a tendency to collect more than just memories. Stuff abounds, from the long-forgotten broken tractors to the more recent refrigerators--not to mention personal items in the house. So, when Parks & Trails Council ...

DNR Update – a timeline for the planning process and clarifying DNR requirements

Arielle Courtney, DNR Parks & Trails Partnership Development Consultant, shares an update on the DNR’s Friends Group planning process and work to clarify special event requirements.

List of outdoor clubs in Minnesota

Getting outdoors with other people is so beneficial on so many levels. Check out our list of clubs to help you get out there. Go to List

January 5, 2023

Intro to Winter Activities at Savanna Portage State Park

From Friends of Savanna Portage If you happen to be in the vicinity of Savanna Portage State Park this winter, you might discover a variety of frost-friendly activities to take part in, courtesy of the newly-formed Friends of Savanna Portage State Park. Coming soon: you ...

December 30, 2022

Planning a Candlelight Event: A Friends Group Partner Primer

The winter nights are long and dark, but you can put a little light back into your life – and the lives of your neighbors - by holding a candlelight event! These popular events involve setting up candles or electric luminaries along pre-arranged pathways so ...

December 19, 2022

The Jackson County Trail Action Plan is on its way

From Friends of the Jackson County Trails The Friends of Jackson County Trails is working with the City of Jackson, Jackson County, and representatives from local schools to create a MnDOT-funded Trail Action Plan to connect the city of Jackson to Robertson, Brown, and Anderson ...