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Bridging communities: Phoebe McGowan joins Ramsey County Parks as Cultural Liaison
Ramsey County Parks and Recreation is proud to announce the appointment of Phoebe McGowan as the department’s new Cultural Liaison. McGowan's role is dedicated to bridging the gap between the county's parks and its Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities, advocating for their values, interests, and needs within the park system.
Join Ramsey County at Pride events this June
Celebrating Pride Month is part of the county's dedication to inclusivity and the well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals, fostering a diverse and resilient community. The county will be at the following events throughout the month.
Efforts underway to mitigate swan deaths at Sucker Lake
Lead sinkers used in fishing have caused the deaths of dozens of swans in the channel on the north side of Sucker Lake in Vadnais-Snail Lakes Regional Park. Park staff have attempted various methods to address the issue, but stronger measures are necessary. Feedback from surveys and a community meeting have been critical in understanding how the area is used and what potential solutions might look like.
Ramsey County Parks and Recreation wins innovation in equity award
Ramsey County Parks and Recreation has been honored with the Innovation in Equity Award for its "Signs of Belonging" project. The award, announced by the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), will be presented at the NRPA Annual Conference in October, where the Best in Innovation Award will also be revealed.
Free summer fun at Ramsey County parks
In addition to our parks and trails, Parks & Recreation is offering a variety of free outdoor activities for all ages this summer!
Minnesota leaders unite to combat aquatic invasive species at Phalen Lake event
Governor Walz, Lieutenant Governor Flanagan, and DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen were among the notable figures who gathered at Phalen Lake today, along with zebra mussel sniffing dogs and Parks & Recreation staff from Saint Paul and Ramsey County. The event aimed to emphasize the importance of controlling, managing, and preventing the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in Minnesota's lakes and waterways.
Board proclaims April 21-27 as Volunteer Week at Mississippi River cleanup event
Dog park stewards and Tamarack Nature Center volunteers were honored during the proclamation.
Celebrating APIDA Heritage Month: Tuj Lub, a Traditional Hmong Game in Keller Regional Park
In the idyllic setting of Keller Regional Park, nestled amid its verdant expanses and tranquil ambiance, lies a cultural treasure waiting to be uncovered: Tuj Lub, the traditional Hmong top-spinning game. Serving as a poignant reminder of Hmong heritage, this pastime embodies a fusion of skill, strategy, and community spirit.
Cultivating Resilience: Transforming Our Soil from Dirt to Gold
At the heart of every flourishing ecosystem lies the often-underappreciated foundation—healthy soil. Healthy soil isn’t just a medium for plants to grow in. It is a dynamic and interconnected system that influences water quality, biodiversity, and even climate stability. To help keep water clean, healthy soil acts as a natural filter, preventing pollutants from entering water bodies. Soil is important for biological diversity (or biodiversity) to grow plants, which are the basis of the food chain that sustains animals and humans. Soil plays a multifaceted and crucial role in reducing climate change, too.
Preserving Lakes: Ramsey County's Vigilance Against Invasive Rusty Crayfish
In a forward-looking initiative, Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation Division (RCSWCD) forged a crucial partnership with the University of Minnesota in 2023 to tackle the growing threat of invasive rusty crayfish in Ramsey County lakes. Utilizing cutting-edge DNA detection techniques, the University played a pivotal role in confirming the presence of these invasive crayfish species. RCSWCD then verified the infestation in Lake McCarron through the examination of a live sample.
Parks and Recreation with Conservation Corps
During the summer of 2023, the RCSWCD (Ramsey County Soil and Water Conservation Division) had the privilege of hosting three Conservation Corps members who made significant contributions to preventing the spread of invasives in the water and on land.
Encroachment Inspections Begin in April
Parks & Recreation staff will be conducting encroachment inspections this spring.
Kestrel Conservation Success Soars to New Heights
Two families of American kestrels, small falcons, have successfully nested in nest boxes along Rice Creek. The boxes, constructed by the Ramsey County Parks Youth Outdoors Conservation Corp crew, and installed by Ramsey County Parks and Recreation staff, with the assistance of ornithologist Amber Burnette, were sites for this avian habitation.
Volunteers needed April 20 for Earth Day Cleanup Challenge
Volunteers of all ages are invited to the Mighty Mississippi River Cleanup Challenge on Saturday, April 20, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Battle Creek Regional Park.
Ramsey County's Parks and Recreation/Soil and Water hosts AmeriCorps Director for special visit
As AmeriCorps Week commenced, Ramsey County's Parks and Recreation/Soil and Water Conservation Division prepared for a special visit from AmeriCorps Director Sonali Nijhawan. With Channel 5 capturing the event, Commissioner Xiong and Reinhardt underscored the vital role AmeriCorps plays in community service initiatives.
Lifeguard hiring and courses now open
With summer on the horizon, the lifeguard hiring season is in full swing, prompting the announcement of the Lifeguard Certification Courses for 2024. If you're looking for more information, contact Recreation Services Supervisor, Thony Thao.
Cross-country ski trails begin opening
Cross-country ski trails are open at the Winter Recreation Area at Battle Creek.
Cross-country ski passes on sale now
Mutual Ramsey County/Saint Paul cross-country ski passes are on sale now for the 2023-2024 season.
A federal government shutdown will not immediately impact any county services
Residents should plan to attend all existing appointments and continue to access all county services and programs.
City & County Credit Union secondary naming rights sponsorship approved for TCO Sports Garden
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners approved a contract with City & County Credit Union for secondary naming rights of the fieldhouse at TCO Sports Garden in Vadnais Heights.