Alex Watson is taller than he looks. It might be the boots. He's the new naturalist at Lake Carlos State Park. Most people usually see Alex from behind as he leads canoe trips on the lake or hikes across the trails where he'll often mimic a bird-mating dance. Visitors usually notice Alex's boyish face even a beard can't disguise. Then they're sucked in by one of his owl hoots or stories about the Alexandria area lake during a skiing outing through the woods. He is here only because voters wanted an investment in outdoor recreation and education. The parks and trails fund of the Legacy Amendment dollars brought a naturalist to the Alexandria Area stationed at Lake Carlos State Park.

Two years ago, voters used their ballot to make a pledge to each other. They pledged 3/8ths of a cent to conservation, arts, and history in the state. That added up to about $211 M a year for the first two years; now they're asking, "Where's the money gone?" and rightly so.

They're about to find out. Not only can they see where, but also they'll be able to hear it, touch it, even dive in it (weather permitting). Starting on Valentine's Day weekend, a dozen communities are hosting Legacy Destination Weekends. These Legacy Destinations will showcase their unique lakes, trails, theaters, museums, and other special attractions funded by the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment (CWLLA).

Conservation Minnesota, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts, Explore Minnesota, and WCCO-TV have organized a dozen Legacy Destination Weekends across the state. Working with the local Convention and Visitors Bureaus, Chambers of Commerce, and local leaders, we're putting on a dozen festivals that showcase Minnesota's great arts and outdoors that have been protected by the Legacy Amendment.

We know that nobody's just an outdoors lover or just a fan of the arts. As Minnesotans we love our lakes, but we'll also check out a hot new band or buy a unique piece from a local artist. We'll take the family along a pristine trail in the afternoon and then to the theater at night. These weekends will be a chance to experience all of the above in a single weekend and realize how Legacy funds are protecting our best resources.

Look for stories about Legacy Destination communities on "Finding Minnesota" on WCCO-TV and posters detailing all the weekends at Travelers Information Centers across the state. For convenience, there's also a website with pictures and links at exploreminnesota.com/legacy.

From there, travelers can plan a weekend along the lake shores of Bemidji, the woods of the Arrowhead, or the city streets of Minneapolis at projects they dedicated funds to protect. They can also meet Alex. He'll be the one with the badge.