Gettin’ creative during corona: Share your programming ideas!

There have been so many fantastic programming ideas popping up around the state due to necessary changes related to COVID-19 restrictions. From virtual classes to “camp in a box” delivered to homes, there are certainly new ways of programming that we really hope will become the new standard for environmental education and outreach.

We are finding that by creating videos and virtual options for programming, we are able to reach far more people and our public engagement numbers are going up. But not everyone has a robust programming department with dedicated employees to make all of this happen. We want to help spread the new great ideas to everyone around the state so agencies can see what ideas are out there and begin to pick and choose what might work for them, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel on their own.

We want your input! Please submit your ideas to the GMPT communications committee so we can develop a central programming site available to all members across the state. It doesn’t have to be extravagant; even if you just have one new idea that you would like to share, we want to hear from you! Information can be given in a number of ways. We simply want to know what you’re trying, what’s working, or what ideas you may have moving forward. We will also be working with the Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) to provide another outlet for idea sharing.

We’ve compiled a few examples to help get you brainstorming and show some potential options for information sharing:

• Video summary: Simply make a quick video to talk about your programming ideas. Example video from Oxbox Park in Olmsted County.
• PowerPoint presentation: Lay out your ideas and narrative in a slide show. Example PowerPoint from Bemidji Parks & Recreation.
• Website link: Send us a link to a program page that you’ve developed or incorporated into your website. Example web page from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Whatever format you choose, please send your information to us at greatermnparkstrails@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing all of the amazing work that has been done and making it easy to share those ideas to help provide the best possible programming during COVID-19 restrictions and beyond.

Karlin Ziegler
GMPT Communications Chair, District 6 Representative