Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Friends Meeting Minutes

Nerstrand Big Woods State Park Friends Meeting Minutes

July 16, 2026

A. The Friends of Nerstrand Big Woods State Park met on July 16, 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 and Andy Wendt also attended. Guest: Jack Wingate. The meeting was called to order by President Dave Detert.

B. Approval of 7/16/26 agenda and 5/28/26 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 July 16, ’26: $ 5,378.49 May 28, ‘26: $ 5,404.89

Nerstrand Bank July 16, ’26: $ 0,329.65 May 28, ‘26: $ 0,181.65 Land Acquisition Fund July 16, ’26: $ 4,834.00 May 28, ‘26: $ 4,634.00

Additions include donations. Motion to accept by Elaine, seconded by Steve. Passed.

D. Managers and Naturalist’s Reports:

Alexa:

1. Bench installation when Toolcat is back in service

2. Thanks for the cart-in site pea rock.

3. Art-in-the-park and all events need an outline one month in advance to accommodate timeline for planning and advertising.

4. Playground footprint cannot be expanded due to potential liability issues.

5. Landscaping around the building to include removal of aggressive native species, provide visibility and a maintenance plan to manage the area.

6. Picnic Shelter and campground building painting scheduled for the fall.

Andy:

1. Seed collection planned for late August and September with distribution at same location following the fall burn.

2. Fall Candlelight discussion. A separate meeting time suggested to cover details.

E. Old Business

1. Bridge Square Market presence on June 6 was very successful. 100 informational handouts distributed. Friends will participate again on Aug. 8.

2. Friends “FON” stickers provided with memberships and for donations.

F. New Business

1. Elaine met with Alexa to discuss the Visitor Center Landscaping goals and options to achieve them. Plans include removal of half of the current vegetation, placement of barrier fabric in fall of 2026, replacement of timber

borders in 2027 and a seasonal maintenance plan to manage the native vegetation. Steve will check with potential volunteers.

2. Board members up for reelection are Dave and Elaine for three-year terms. Two, two-year members positions are open. Nominations are welcome.

Next mtg. Aug. 26, 1:00 @ park office. (Location to be confirmed with Alexa.) Unfortunately, Boots and Lou’s restaurant in Nerstrand is closed.

Motion to adjourn Steve, Seconded by Lee. Passed.

Submitted by Elaine Feikema, Secretary