Minnesota’s forests give us clean water and air, wildlife habitat, wood products, places to explore, and room to breathe.
The Great Minnesota Woods Walk invites people across the state to spend one afternoon learning how these forests grow, change, and are cared for. Woodland owners, foresters, park staff, land trusts, and forest industry partners can help by opening a trail, sharing what they know, and showing visitors what makes their corner of the woods special.
Why Host a Walk?
Getting people into the woods in every county takes many hands: landowners, park and forest partners, industry, land trusts, and trail groups willing to open an accessible walk for an afternoon. If you care about Minnesota’s woods, you are already the best person to share that with someone else.
• Short on time? One fixed window, 1–3 PM, keeps the commitment small.
• Not sure how? A simple host guide and templates will be provided.
• Worried about cost? A trailhead, a few signs, and your time are enough to start.
• Liability questions? We’ll point hosts to Minnesota’s recreational-use guidance.
Who Can Host?
Woodland owners who know every trail on their property
Foresters, educators, and land managers who want to share their expertise
People who work with sustainable forest products and want others to see where those products begin
Anyone who wants to connect children and families with the outdoors close to home
Anyone who loves Minnesota’s forests and wants to share them with others
Walk Ideas
Tree identification walk for beginners
Tour of a recent sustainable harvest
Forest bathing or quiet walk
Portable sawmill demonstration
Birding through the canopy
Visit to a champion or notable big tree
Young forest and old-growth comparison walk
Family-friendly nature scavenger hunt
Want to Host or Just Come Walk?
The first Great Minnesota Woods Walk lands Saturday, October 3, 1–3 PM,
at woods across the state. Let us know you’re in.
Questions? Call MFA at 218-879-5100 or email info@minnesotaforestry.org.