Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Friends Meeting Minutes

May 28, 2026

A. The Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park met on May 28, 2026 at 1 pm at the Nerstrand Big Woods State Park office. Board members present: Dave Detert, Elaine Feikema, Norma Monroe, Steve Carras and Lee Engquist. Absent was Katy Gillispie. Park staff: Unit Manager, Alexa Smith also attended. Guests: Jack Wingate and Tamara Detert. The meeting was called to order by President Dave Detert.

B. Approval of 5/28/26 agenda and 4/06/26 minutes: Dave emailed the previous mtg. minutes and meeting agenda for review. Motion by Steve, seconded by Lee. Passed.

C. Treasurer’s Report:

Parks & Trails May 28, ’26: $ 5,404.89 Apr 06, ‘26: $ 5,163.89

Nerstrand Bank May 28, ’26: $ 0,181.65 Apr 06, ‘26: $ 0,905.24 Land Acquisition Fund May 28, ’26: $ 4,634.00 Apr 06, ‘26: $ 4,634.00

Expenses include June Raptor Program and signage. Motion to accept by Steve, seconded by Elaine. Passed.

D. Managers and Naturalist’s Reports:

Alexa:

1. Replacement boards for benches and installation as time permits

2. Staff back for season. Associate Clara started 5-21-26

3. Volunteer Opportunity: Invasive species removal pull Garlic mustard and Dames Rocket.

4. Pea rock needed for cart-in sites.

5. Training next week take staff out of office.

Andy:

1. 2026 Wildflower Ambassadors provided education on the Dwarf Trout Lily for 2,000 visitors.

2. Art in the Park on July 18 with guest presenter Erica Trebelhorn. FNBW to provide materials.

E. Old Business

1. Fall event discussion of a guest astronomer. Steve to check with Carlton.

2. Books needed for the lending library.

3. St Olaf Student Workday, Apr 25: A big thank to the 13 St. Olaf students who removed 6 huge garbage bags of garlic mustard in the Dwarf Trout area.

4. St. Olaf New Student Orientation is September 19, ’26. Steve is contact.

F. New Business

1. QR Codes are in place for membership and land fund. Steve submitted an additional QR for the Friends site.

2. Fall walk discussed. Cider press demonstration with sample (pasteurized) apple juice.

3. Motion to purchase pea rock by Norma, seconded by Lee. Passed. P&T account

4. Stickers FON Friends of Nerstrand – 500 for $684. Give to new members, donors and volunteers. Motion by Norma, seconded by Steve. Passed. P&T account.

5. Brief discussion about Venmo.

6. Discussion of Kestrel nesting on South prairie area. Steve is monitoring.

Next mtg. July 16, 2026, 1:00 @ park office. (Location to be confirmed with Alexa.)

Motion to adjourn Steve, Seconded by Lee. Passed.

Submitted by Elaine Feikema, Secretary