From the Chair: Fall is off to a busy start!

Below is a message from GMPT Chair Gina Hugo. You can reach her at gina.hugo@co.sherburne.mn.us.

This past month, we enjoyed an amazing Annual Fall Membership Meeting at Hartley Nature Center in Duluth. So many of you, our valued members, capitalized on the opportunity to gather with colleagues, network, and learn together! We started with a tour of the Hartley Nature Center expansion, which was funded through Legacy dollars. The investment is paying dividends by fostering a love of nature in the students through immersive education. Our business meeting focused on setting the 2025 legislative agenda, electing officers and board members, and reviewing highlights of 2024 legislative work.

New to this year’s fall meeting was a mini workshop! Trevor Pumnea from Northland Arboretum presented with wit and humor on how to design and conduct recreational surveys (that don’t suck). His presentation slides can be viewed here.

Senator Grant Hauschild attended and engaged with members on the importance of accessible parks and trails, shared his passion for connecting all people to the outdoors, and expressed his optimism for the upcoming legislative session.

After lunch, we enjoyed an inspiring tour of the Hartley Nature Center outdoor classroom and nature play area. The weather was spectacular, and we are so grateful to all who traveled to attend or joined us online!