Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Friends Meeting Minutes

February 06, 2026

A. The Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park met on February 6, 2026 at 9:30 am 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: Natural Resource Specialist Jacob Dearborn and Naturalist Andy

Wendt also attended. The meeting was called to order by President Dave Detert.

B. Approval of 02/06/26 agenda and 12/01/25 minutes: Dave emailed the previous mtg.

minutes and meeting agenda for review. Motion by Elaine, seconded by Steve. Passed.

C. Treasurer’s Report:

Parks & Trails Feb 06, ’26: $ 4,942.89 Dec 01, ‘25: $ 7,090.57

Nerstrand Bank Feb 06, ’26: $ 0,838.75 Dec 01, ‘25: $ 0930.24

Land Acquisition Fund Feb 06, ’26: $ 4,586.00 Dec 01, ‘25: $ 4,386.00

Totals reflect balance on December 06, 2026. Motion to accept by Steve, seconded by

Elaine. Passed.

D. Naturalist’s Reports:

Jake: Campground opens May 1, 2026

Andy:

a. Candlelight Walk was postponed due to extreme cold weather on Jan 24,

rescheduled for Feb. 14. Andy is working with Jake on event.

b. Volunteers were introduced to the 2026 portal for on-line time reporting.

Individual background checks are submitted through Andy.

c. Maple syruping volunteers encouraged to sign up through the Portal.

d. New outdoor kiosks and bulletin boards expected this year to include wayfinding,

park history and features, phenology and timely information.

e. Wildflower Ambassador training April 11, 1-3 pm. to include safety and customer

service. Register with Andy, record through Portal.

f. Working on details for the Annual Plan of programs, guests etc.

g. Approved funding from Friends for projects to be transferred to NBW Gift

account for ease of payment.

E. Old Business

a. Friends of NBWSP Web site was launched in January with an impressive jump

in user hits. The domain name, “Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods.com” was

secured for three years. Thank you, Steve, for your continued oversight.

b. Books still needed for the lending library.

c. Removal and painting of picnic shelter doors this winter in the shop is tabled

until better drying weather.

d. Membership and fundraising letter to be mailed.

F. New Business

Dave to send information on potential tree/shrub trimming before spring. Dave is

working to coordinate volunteers with trail trimming projects.

Next mtg. April 6, 2026, 9:00 @ park office. (Location to be confirmed with Alexa.)

Motion to adjourn Steve, Seconded by Lee. Passed.

Submitted by Elaine Feikema, Secretary