Contact: Rachel Hopper, Parks and Trails Division, visitor services and outreach section manager, 651-259-5578; Steve Carroll, Office of Communications and Outreach, media unit supervisor, 651-259-5342.

Outdoor skill-building programs

The 2019 season of I Can! programs kicks off this weekend at Minnesota state parks and trails. The governor’s office is teaming with the Department of Natural Resources this year to mark the 10th anniversary of offering these outdoor skill-building programs across the state.

“Outdoor recreation is a big part of who we are here in Minnesota, and many families already have plans to visit Minnesota state parks and trails this summer,” said Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan. “But if you didn’t grow up camping and paddling, or it’s just been awhile since you have, we want to encourage you—and your kids—to sign up for one of the many I Can! programs and get outdoors.”

Since they were first offered in 2010, the Legacy Amendment-funded series has introduced 82,000 beginners of all ages to outdoor activities such as camping, paddling, mountain biking, and fishing.

“We provide all the gear along with friendly instructors who can show you how to use it,” said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen. “Our goal is to make it easy for busy families to discover the fun of spending time outdoors together.”

The I Can! programs start this weekend and continue through the end of August.

Registration and more information
For more information about any of the programs—including program dates, times, locations, and minimum age requirements—visit mndnr.gov/ican or contact the DNR Information Center at info.dnr@state.mn.us or 888-646-6367 (8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday). To register for I Can Camp!, I Can Paddle!, I Can Fish! and I Can Mountain Bike!, visit mndnr.gov/reservations or call 866-857-2757 (8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily, except holidays).

The “I Can!” program series is made possible with funding from the Parks and Trails Fund, created after voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in November 2008. The Parks and Trails Fund receives 14.25 percent of the three-eighths percent sales tax revenue that may only be spent to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance.

The I Can! programs received a Government Innovation Award in 2015.