 Spring 2024 Volume 7, Issue 2
SPRING: (spriNG)
Noun: The season after winter and before summer, in which vegetation begins to appear; “in spring the garden is a feast of blossom”
Spring Snow
The winter of 2023-2024 was well known for having no snow. However, March 2024 did its best to give us our fill.
Between December 2023 and February 2024, our groomers were out a total of 21 hours. In March 2024, the groomers were out 39 hours.
The Moonlight Ski Event in January became a Hike because of no snow; The Maple Syrup Tour in March was rescheduled because of a snowstorm.
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 Spring Maintenance Activities:
- Grooming
- Snow Removal
- Grading Roads
- Trail Cleaning
- Posts and Signs
- Culvert Inventory
- Park Rounds
- Equipment Maintenance
- Tree Planting
- Two Rivers Lake Boardwalk
- Wildfire Annual Training; Gopher One State Training; Online State Trainings
 Tree Trimming and Removal
Trees over and across trails keep our maintenance staff busy. This past spring they spent 300 hours cutting and removing trees.
In March a contractor was hired to do tree trimming along the Lake Wobegon Trail between Albany and St. Joseph.
When this equipment is on the trail, the section may be closed to the public. For YOUR safety, Do NOT go around the Trail Closed signs.
If you see fallen trees or branches, something broken or in need of repair, vandalism, or missing signs, please let us know: Report a Problem or Leave a Compliment
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 Archery Range Remains Closed
The Park Department was notified early last year that arrows had been found on private property adjacent to the Mississippi River County Park. Staff installed pergolas at each archery station. Signs were posted to remind archers that bows must be drawn so arrows are parallel to the ground.
Unfortunately, arrows were again found on private property last October. Whether it was caused by carelessness, improper use of bows, or some other negligence, it was decided that the archery range would be closed until further evaluation was completed.
An engineering firm was hired this spring to complete an independent review of the archery range. A few safety adjustments will be made before the range is opened.
Oak Township archery range remains open.
Wildwood Ranch Maple Syrup Tours
Wildwood Ranch is located in Kraemer Lake - Wildwood County Park and has been a family-run, modern maple syrup operation for over 40 years. |
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The 2024 Maple Syrup Tours were scheduled for March 17 and March 24, but the weather and snow affected those plans.
The first open house was cold and windy; the second was rescheduled and then had a lot of snow. Lots of wind off the lake this spring!
Other smaller groups were able to tour the operation throughout the spring. The total number of visitors for the season was 348.
2024 was the earliest sap ever. Even with the snowless winter, the temperatures stayed cool enough, and they were able to boil about 460 gallons of syrup.
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 Kids to Parks Day
Kids to Parks Day was held at Quarry Park on May 18 as part of National Park Trust Kids to Parks Day.
“Organized by National Park Trust, the mission of Kids to Parks Day is to foster future outdoor enthusiasts and help with developing the next generation of park stewards by engaging kids in memorable outdoor experiences. While discovering and exploring our parks, kids learn about park stewardship, outdoor recreation, STEM, and the history of our country and its amazing national treasures – because kids need parks and parks need kids!”
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A variety of activities and booths were available for kids of all ages.
- Stearns County Parks Department: Learn about upcoming events and projects throughout the Parks and Trails System
- Sheriff’s Department: Meet your Park Deputy
- Public Health: Start your 1000 Hour Outdoor Challenge
- Free Trees: Collect your free tree sapling to plant in your own yard
- Mid Minnesota Cycling: Meet your local mountain bike advocates
- The Lorax: Come watch The Lorax puppet show at 11:15am & 12:45pm
- Audio Tour + Solar Eclipse: Learn the history of Quarry Park and the solar eclipse that happened on April 8, 2024
- Great River Greening: Become a pollinator protector with your own seed balls
- SWCD/Sauk River Water Shed: Learn about aquatic insects and amphibians
- Solar System: Walk the solar system
- Fishing pole Casting: Test your skills at casting a weighted line into buckets
- Pinecone Bird Feeders: Bring the birds to you with your own bird feeder
Natural Resource Technician
Recruitment for a new full-time employee within the Parks Department began in March.
The Natural Resource Technician is a new position and will provide assistance with maintaining, improving, and developing County Parks, Trails and the facilities they contain. This position is responsible for providing assistance with administrative, skilled trades work, technical assistance, coordinating tasks and successfully executing numerous and diverse natural resource and maintenance projects and overseeing seasonal maintenance staff and volunteers.
Seasonal Employment Applications are accepted between March and April.
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