10 Ways to Introduce Someone to the Outdoors - From the DNR

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MINNESOTA DNR NEWS #93 Dec. 12, 2013
All news releases are available in the DNR’s website newsroom at www.mndnr.gov/news.
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IN THIS ISSUE
Minnesota state parks and trails to host winter candlelight events for all ages
DNR suggests 10 ways to connect someone to the outdoors
DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Minnesota state parks and trails to host winter candlelight events for all ages

Thirty candlelight ski, snowshoe and hiking events are scheduled to take place at Minnesota state parks and trails this winter, according to the Department of Natural Resources.

Among the highlights are the annual New Year’s Eve candlelight walk at Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul, which has drawn 1,500 or more participants in past years; an all-new candlelight walk on Jan. 3 along the Luce Line State Trail in Plymouth; and several events on Valentine’s Weekend, including a Feb. 15 candlelight ski/snowshoe/walk at Wild River State Park, about an hour north of the Twin Cities.

The dates and times of the events are listed below. Additional information can be found at www.mndnr.gov/candlelight. The family-friendly events are typically held on short, easy trails that are suitable for all ages and abilities. After participants explore trails lined with lanterns or luminaries, they can enjoy refreshments and warm up by a fire.

“Our candlelight events are a great way to get out and make some memories with friends and family,” said Courtland Nelson, director of the Parks and Trails Division. “The candles and luminaries add a touch of magic to the great outdoors.”

People can rent or check out equipment at some parks (rental cost is typically $6/person/day for snowshoes or $10/person/day for cross-country skis, boots and poles). The DNR advises calling in advance to confirm availability and to reserve equipment.

For additional ideas on what to do at Minnesota state parks and trails this winter, people are encouraged to pick up a copy of the new Minnesota state parks and trails winter programs and special events brochure and check out the winter activities guide page at www.mndnr.gov/winterguide.

A vehicle permit is required to enter Minnesota state parks ($5 for a one-day permit or $25 for a year-round permit). Those who don’t already have a Minnesota state parks vehicle permit (www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/permit.html) can purchase one at any of the parks.

Skiers age 16 and older also need the Great Minnesota Ski Pass to participate in the candle-lit ski events. The Great Minnesota Ski Pass ($6/one-day pass, $20/single-season pass, and $55/three-season pass) allows access to hundreds of miles of trails in state parks and forests (www.mndnr.gov/skiing). Skiers age 15 or younger can access trails for free.
2013-14 candlelight events at Minnesota state park and trails

Date/Park or Trail (City)/Event/Time

Saturday, Dec. 28
Zippel Bay State Park (Williams), candlelight ski, 5-8 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 31
Fort Snelling State Park (St. Paul), New Year’s Eve candlelight walk, 4-8 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 3
Luce Line State Trail (Plymouth), candlelight walk, 5-8 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 11
St. Croix State Park (Hinckley), candlelight ski, 5-8 p.m.
Lake Carlos State Park (Carlos), candlelight ski and snowshoe, 6-9 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 18
Zippel Bay State Park (Williams), candlelight ski, 5-8 p.m.
Minneopa State Park (Mankato), candlelight ski, snowshoe and walk, 5-9 p.m.
Itasca State Park (Park Rapids), lantern-lit snowshoe hike, 5-7:30 p.m.
Lake Bronson State Park (Lake Bronson), candlelight ski, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Harmony-Preston Valley State Trail (Preston) candlelight ski and chili cook-off (507-765-2153),
5:30-7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 25
Buffalo River State Park (Glyndon), candlelight ski, 6-9 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 1
Buffalo River State Park (Glyndon), candlelight ski, 6-9 p.m.
Afton State Park (Hastings), candlelight walk and snowshoe, 6-9 p.m.
Nerstrand Big Woods State Park (Nerstrand), candlelight ski/walk, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Root River State Trail (Whalan), candlelight ski (507-467-2696, candlelightski.org), 5-8 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 8
Lake Maria State Park (Monticello), candlelight snowshoe, 6-9 p.m.
Gateway State Trail (Maplewood), candlelight walk, 5-8 p.m.
Lake Carlos State Park (Carlos), candlelight ski and snowshoe, 6-9 p.m.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park (Onamia), candlelight ski, 6-9:30 p.m.
Rice Lake State Park (Owatonna), candlelight ski, snowshoe and hike, 6-9 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 14
Old Mill State Park (Argyle), candlelight ski, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 15
Wild River State Park (Center City), 22nd annual candlelight ski/snowshoe/walk, 6-9 p.m.
Zippel Bay State Park (Williams), candlelight ski, 5-8 p.m.
Glendalough State Park (Battle Lake), candlelight ski, 6:30-9 p.m.
Gooseberry Falls State Park (Two Harbors), candlelight ski, 6-8:30 p.m.
Glacial Lakes State Park (Starbuck), candlelight ski and snowshoe, 6-9 p.m.
Hayes Lake State Park (Roseau), candlelight ski, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 22
Lake Bemidji State Park (Bemidji), candlelight ski /snowshoe walk, 6-9 p.m.
Maplewood State Park (Pelican Rapids), candlelight ski, 6-8:30 p.m.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park (Two Harbors), candlelight snowshoe/hike, 6-8:30 p.m.

Note that events may be changed or canceled due to weather. For more information, including weather updates, directions to parks and where to get a ski pass, visit www.mndnr.gov, email info.dnr@state.mn.us or call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Dec. 12, 2013

DNR suggests 10 ways to connect someone to the outdoors in 2014

The holiday season is a great time to introduce a child or someone else to the physical and emotional benefits of the outdoors, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

A Minnesota state parks gift card offers an opportunity to inspire a love for the outdoors.

The cards can be redeemed for vehicle permits, campsites, camper cabins, and rental equipment, such as snowshoes. They also can be redeemed for the apparel, outdoor-related books and other items sold at Minnesota state parks.

To personalize the gift, here are some suggestions from the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division:

Browse the online calendar at www.mndnr.gov or the new programs and special events brochure to find a winter program, such as a digital photography workshop or a snowshoe hike.
Pick a First Day Hike to take part in on Jan. 1 and resolve to get outdoors more in 2014.
Experience the outdoors in a whole new light at one of this year’s candlelight ski, snowshoe or hike events.
Make reservations at a camper cabin, and explore a new state park.
Join the Hiking Club and arrange a time to hike a nearby trail together.
Offer to rent a canoe or kayak and go paddling together this summer or fall.
Go on a treasure hunt to find one of the geocaches hidden at Minnesota state parks as part of the Avian Adventure.
Sign up for an overnight I Can Camp! program and master camping skills.
Attend other skill-building programs, such as I Can Paddle! I Can Climb!, I Can Fish! or Archery in the Parks.
Take advantage of the free fishing equipment for loan at many state parks, and wet a line together from a fishing pier.

Gift cards are available at any park office that sells merchandise. Gift cards also can be purchased:

In person at DNR Information Center, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul.
Online at www.mndnr.gov/reservations.
Over the phone at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367 (weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).

Minnesota state parks gift cards feature a photo of the state’s highest waterfall and come packaged in a folder with a full-color guide to Minnesota state parks and trails, a 2013-14 winter programs and special events brochure and other helpful trip-planning information.

For more information, contact the DNR Information Center at info.dnr@state.mn.us or 651-296-6157 (Twin Cities) or toll-free at 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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Related links:

Parks and Trails online calendar of events
www.mndnr.gov/ptcalendar

Map of parks where gift cards are sold
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/nature_stores.html

Candlelight events
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/candlelight_events.html

Camper cabins
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/reservations_campercabin.html

Hiking Club
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/clubs.html

Geocaching Avian Adventure
www.dnr.state.mn.us/geocaching

I Can! programs
www.mndnr.gov/ican

Free loaner equipment
www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/loaner.html