Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Friends Meeting Minutes

April 06, 2026

A. The Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park met on April 6, 2026 at 9:30 am at the Nerstrand Big Woods State Park office. Board members present: Dave Detert, Elaine Feikema, Norma Monroe, Katy Gillispie and Lee Engquist. Absent was Steve Carras. Park staff: Unit Manager, Alexa Smith also attended. The meeting was called to order by President Dave Detert.

B. Approval of 4/06/26 agenda and 2/06/26 minutes: Dave emailed the previous mtg. minutes and meeting agenda for review. Motion by Lee, seconded by Elaine. Passed.

C. Treasurer’s Report:

Parks & Trails Apr 06, ’26: $ 5,163.89 Feb 06, ‘26: $ 4,942.89 Nerstrand Bank Feb 06, ’26: $ 0,905.24 Feb 06, ‘26: $ 0,838.75 Land Acquisition Fund Feb 06, ’26: $ 4,634.00 Feb 06, ‘26: $ 4,586.00

Motion to accept by Lee, seconded by Katy. Passed.

D. Managers and Naturalist’s Reports:

Alexa: Benches arrived, were assembled and waiting for installation.

Picnic Shelter - Facilities will replace the doors rather than painting. The exterior of the building to be power washed before painting.

Building and Grounds staff, Brad is back for the season. Office staff, Jesse is back mid-April.

Resource program to purchase trees and shrubs, CCM crew to plant on south side and some for the picnic grounds. Look for them later in the season.

Discussion of Visitor Center space availability for member meet-ups etc.

Andy:

a. Raptor Center cost is $470 in June. Friends to cover cost.

b. Art in the Park on July 18 conducted by Erica Trebelhorn. Dave is the contact.

c. Riverwalk Market Square in Northfield. Once a month, June, July and August, Friends will have a booth to promote the park and engage a broader audience.

d. Member meet-up Events suggested to add a social element and build long-lasting support.

e. Thanks for the support! I’m always open to suggestions and new ideas.

E. Old Business

a. Fall event discussion of a guest astronomer.

b. Books still needed for the lending library.

c. Clean-up April 18 with 4-H bring wheelbarrows and rakes.

d. St. Olaf work crew April 25, 10 to 1pm. Steve is contact.

e. Fundraising discussed. Large posters to be printed for use at Bridge Square

f. Volunteers to paint picnic shelter and assist Bruce again. Dates forthcoming.

g. On-going trimming of shrubs and trees. Dates sent out by Dave.

F. New Business

Friends to help replace boards on Hidden Falls Trail.

Norma suggested a volunteer that could provide some graphic artwork for promoting membership.

Next mtg. May 28, 2026, 1:00 @ park office. (Location to be confirmed with Alexa.)

Motion to adjourn Katy, Seconded by Lee. Passed.

Submitted by Elaine Feikema, Secretary