Growing up in Minnesota, I spent most of my time in the Northwoods.
My parents were adamant about safety, education, and conservation. We were required to take DNR courses on things like lawful hunting and fishing, and recreational vehicle and firearm safety.

Enter, Mantrap Valley Conservation Club and Auxiliary. The MVCC is a favorite in my family. It is located in Park Rapids and has been serving the Hubbard County community since 1953.

Starting with 15, membership grew when the rural community population started increasing due to the influx of yearly summer visitors and permanent retirees moving into the area.
This, along with the general increase in awareness of conservation and wildlife propagation helped boost the number of members. Today, MVCC boasts a membership of about 400 (including my family).MVCC sponsors monthly family programs on topics like ticks and tick-borne diseases and fishing lure-making. They have kids programs to encourage children to be aware of their natural surroundings and foster conservation of their environment like birdhouse building and tree planting. The club hosts an essay contest for graduates of high schools from Hubbard County for scholarships and members are actively involved in UFFDA (Hunt for Disabled Archers) and cooperation with MN DNR and Hubbard County sporting programs. The men build and sell bluebird, wood duck, and bat houses. They also create kits, which are donated to schools and nursing homes for assembly.Finally, the club has an active rifle range for use of sighting in guns and sport shooting. The club is open to anyone interested in the community, conservation and preservation of natural resources. Sportsmen and sportswomen, nature lovers, and anyone looking to foster and promote wildlife, lake, and forestry conservation are invited to join. Are you a member of a conservation club? Where is your go-to place for family gatherings?