February 17, 2022

New era as farm turns to parkland for William O’Brien

Bit by bit, P&TC has been acquiring the remaining private lands within this park, including our latest acquisition of 60 acres from Myron Lindgren last December (see map).
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Snowy landscape with old barn and tractor
February 16, 2022

Special Places Newsletter – Winter 2022

From the President | 2022 Legislative Priorities | Land Project for William O'Brien State Park | Earth Day event | Lake Shetek State Park and its friends
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Image of newsletter cover
February 15, 2022

Parks & Trails Fun Quiz: February 2022

What happens with Minnesota's wildlife in winter? Test your knowledge of how animals survive in Minnesota parks and trails during winter.
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February 14, 2022

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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clouds
February 10, 2022

2022 Legislative Monitoring: Community-driven trail projects

We support volunteer friends groups to advocate for trail projects in their communities. The table below highlights key actions that have been taken on this priority issue during the 2022 Legislative Session. We will work to update this table throughout the session. Casey Jones State ...
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man bicycling on fresh pavement
February 10, 2022

2022 Legislative Monitoring: BIPOC Programs

We encourage legislative efforts to develop new programs that welcome more BIPOC communities into parks and trails. The table below highlights key actions that have been taken on this priority issue during the 2022 Legislative Session. We will work to update this table throughout the ...
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February 10, 2022

2022 Legislative Monitoring: No OHVs in state parks

We oppose all efforts to introduce or expand the use of motorized, off-highway vehicles in state parks and alongside state trails. The table below highlights key actions that have been taken on this priority issue during the 2022 Legislative Session. We will work to update ...
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February 10, 2022

Tracks & Trails – Winter 2022

From Glendalough Park Partners In This Issue Walk for Glendalough Friends Group Impact Report Lights Out Migration Winter Animal Tracks Year 1 at Glendalough history Click image to read newsletter Go to friends' main page
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February 10, 2022

2022 Legislative Monitoring: Capital Improvement Projects

We support funding the agencies' requests for capital improvement projects at state and regional parks and trails. The table below highlights key actions that have been taken on this priority issue during the 2022 Legislative Session. We will work to update this table throughout the ...
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Minnesota State Capitol Dome
February 7, 2022

Friends of Scandia Newsletter 2022

From Friends of Scandia Parks & Trails In This Issue Gateway extension Plant Walks Lilleskogen Invasive Shrub Removal Click image to view newsletter Go to friends' main page
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February 7, 2022

Lake Maria Messenger – Winter 2022

From Friends of Lake Maria State Park In This Issue Trumpeter swans Winter animal adaptations Trail conditions New member welcome Animal tracks Click image to view newsletter Go to friends' main page
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February 3, 2022

Friends have embarked on ambitious $1,000,000 fundraising campaign

A new nature center is getting built at Oxbow Park & Zollman Zoo, and the Friends of Oxbow is rallying support to enhance the nature center experience once it's constructed. Since the '80s, Friends of Oxbow has been supporting the park's educational, environmental, and recreational ...
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blooming flowers and walking paths in front of building
January 26, 2022

Special Events

Details One way that friends groups engage community members is through special events. These events provide people with a connection to the park or trail, they may help raise funds for the group, and they promote the stewardship work the friends group provides. Hear from ...
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January 19, 2022

Friends’ long-term interventions to manage invasive buckthorn

From Friends of Chester Woods Much of Chester Woods is infiltrated with buckthorn and other woody invasive specis, especially in the undeveloped areas of our park. We have forested areas where buckthorn is almost the exclusive species on the forest floor. The Friends of Chester ...
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Person stands at intersection of chemically treated buckthorn and untreated buckthorn
January 4, 2022

Volunteering with the DNR – Survey

An update from Arielle Courtney, DNR Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you all enjoyed a safe, healthy celebration of the winter holidays and got the opportunity to spend a bit extra time at our state parks and trails. As I write this, I’m planning ...
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volunteer in a bright yellow vest