National Outdoor Recreation Conference & Field Trip Recap
We’re still reflecting on an incredible week at the National Outdoor Recreation Conference in Duluth, May 11–14. The St. Louis River Alliance was grateful to connect with recreation professionals, community leaders, and conservation partners from across the country and around the world, sharing ideas, learning from one another, and highlighting the work happening right here in the St. Louis River Estuary.
One of the highlights was co-hosting a conference field trip with our partners at the City of Duluth. While strong winds forced us to pivot from a planned paddle, participants embraced a day of walks, conversations, and learning about the river, restoration, and outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the estuary.
A special thank you to the City of Duluth Parks and Recreation team for co-leading the tour, to Tom Howes of the Fond du Lac Band Resource Management Division for sharing about the river, sturgeon, and manoomin (wild rice) restoration, to Abby and the team at Day Tripper of Duluth for their support and weather expertise, and to Jeramy with the Minnesota DNR for sharing about the Perch Lake project.
From Chambers Grove to Perch Lake and the new trails in Morgan Park, the day showcased how decades of collaboration, restoration, and community investment are helping reconnect people to the river. It was a reminder of how fortunate we are to live, work, and play in this remarkable place—and how much is possible when partners come together with a shared vision.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. We left inspired by the conversations, connections, and enthusiasm for the future of outdoor recreation and river restoration. Now get outside and enjoy the sunshine!
