2018 Projects
Our 2018 summer projects include:
Common Ground television production
Our group will work with LPTV, the public television station in Bemidji, to produce a half-hour segment for the show Common Ground. The segment will feature our members working on the projects below.Raffle:
Members along with a number of local businesses sell tickets with three winners drawn at our annual meeting in the fall. Prizes include a stay in a Park cabin, dining at Douglas Lodge, boat tours on the Chester Charles, Park annual permits. In past years, we have raised approximately $3000 each raffle.
The funds raised from the 2018 raffle will be dedicated to print and frame
historic park photos for Itasca’s guest cabins.
Ice cream socials:
Members of our group serve ice cream at selected activities and events presented by the Park staff. This year we are planning this fundraising effort at 8-10 Park events.
Event datesDeer cage grant:
The Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota has awarded our group a $5,000 grant for a tree planting initiative that would provide wire cages to protect up to 800 planted trees.
Deer cagesFly fishing at theOzawindib pier
The Friends campaigned for and then contributed to the funding of the fishing pier.
Fly fishing with Ron MillerDark Sky application:
A Friends committee is currently conducting an outdoor lighting inventory of the Park and we hope to complete an application to become designated with the International Dark Sky AssociationHeadwaters restoration:
Referencing CCC photos from the drier period of the 30’s, the original river channel at the headwaters was narrower and not eroded. A DNR scientist along with the SHIP group are developing a restoration plan for the area. Our group would participate in this project with both money and an in-kind contribution
The Headwaters in 1942Annual meeting:
Our 2018 annual meeting is scheduled for Saturday, September 29.
In past years, we included a nature walk, raffle drawing, and guest speaker. Last year featured Dr. Marla Spivak from the University of Minnesota Honey Bee Lab. In the past, speakers include climatologist Dr. Mark Seeley and phenology guru, John Latimer. Here is further information for the day.
