Encourage trail use without compromising their quality. Protect legacy trees in parks and along trails. Honor native burial grounds and other historic sites. Preserve the 77 acres of grasslands, now a bird habitat, just east of Battle Creek Regional Park.
These are among the issues of interest that members shared in our recent digital survey. Thanks to those of you who participated!
As we look forward to warmer weather, we also note your interest in the following activities led by Friends of the Parks and Trails board members:
- Trash removal in parks and along trails.
- Planting or maintaining trees.
- Taking a bird-watching hike.
- Enjoying an easy-paced bike tour of historic sites.
- Removing buckthorn.
Some of you offered specific ideas of your own: “Inventory and label trees. Treat the city as an arboretum, identify a designation for city champion trees.”
Other times, ideas collided. One member is concerned about the poorly maintained bike trails in his neighborhood; another member seeks an end to the “incessant trail building.”
One longtime member and volunteer referred to Fort Snelling as the “Indian concentration camp from the 1850s era” and suggested that Friends of the Parks and Trails, in concert with Indigenous-led groups, work “to educate our local population on the factual history of Native Americans in the Twin Cities.”
Walking, wildlife-watching, biking and paddling are among the outdoor activities that our members enjoy. We’re in the early stages of planning some spring and summer activities, and we’ll keep you posted as those plans take shape. Thanks again for your feedback and engagement!
Upcoming meetings
Our board is growing in size and scope, and as of March, we’ll be meeting again in person and in public locations. Starting in April, we’ll be meeting the “first Thursday” of most months.
Please join us for any of the following:
- Wednesday, March 22, 6–7:45 p.m., Merriam Park Library, room B, 1831 Marshall Ave., St. Paul
- Thursday, April 6, 6–7:45 p.m., Highland Park Library, community room, 1974 Ford Parkway, St. Paul
- Thursday, May 4, 6–7:45 p.m., Hayden Heights Library, 1456 White Bear Ave., St. Paul
Remember to access our Friends of the Parks and Trails Facebook page, where you can “like” and “share” our posts, or create your own.
