Project Spotlight: Invasive Species Removal

This July, we will host two events to remove invasive species in the Superior National Forest. Please join us!

Project 1: Pincushion Mountain Many people know and love Pincushion Mountain near Grand Marais. Just "up the hill" off the Gunflint Trail, it's a hub for cross-country skiing, biking, and hiking. The beloved Superior Hiking Trail passes through the trailhead, and the North Shore State Trail (primarily used as a snowmobile trail but open for many other uses) is adjacent to the trailhead. Plus, there's a stunning overlook of Lake Superior visible right from the parking lot!

We will spend two days in this area and volunteers are welcome to come for a morning, afternoon, or all-day shift. It's a great opportunity for families, first-time volunteers, and locals to come on out and be part of the stewardship effort!

Camping will be provided at a nearby US Forest Service campground for anyone needing a place to stay during the event.

To register, please fill out this form!

Project 2: Isabella

On July 25, we'll be hosting a project in an area heavily impacted by invasive species: an old environmental learning center site near the small community of Isabella. This is an interesting opportunity to see how land rebounds after human impacts. Hosted on a Friday, it's a great chance to give back before starting your weekend in the northwoods! You can also combine this event with our nearby project at South Kawishiwi River Campground on July 26 & 27!

Camping will be provided on Thursday night (the night before the event) at a nearby US Forest Service campground for any volunteers who wish to join us.

To register, sign up here!

Project Spotlight: Tree Planting Events

This June, we are excited to host two tree planting events!

The first event will take place June 7 & 8 in partnership with Great River Greening. Held at the gorgeous Pfeiffer Lake Campground, volunteers will reforest land impacted by fire by planting red pine. Volunteers can sign up for morning and/or afternoon shifts for Saturday and/or Sunday, and camping will be provided.

To register for this event, visit the Great River Greening sign-up page and look for "Superior National Forest Tree Planting."

The second event will be June 13 & 14 at Whiteface Reservoir Campground. This fantastic recreation area is in need of newly-planted white pines and volunteers may also work on some basic trail maintenance in the area. Volunteers can attend either or both days, and camping will be provided. Don't miss this chance to explore one of the bigger recreation areas in the Superior National Forest!

To register for this event, sign up here!

Supporting the Superior National Forest

This week’s news about mass layoffs at the U.S. Forest Service is devastating. These are people who have dedicated their careers to stewarding our public lands, and our hearts go out to those affected. Their work has always been essential—and it still is.

As federal resources shrink, the role of volunteer organizations like Northwoods Volunteer Connection becomes even more critical. Trails don’t maintain themselves, and the need for stewardship isn’t going away. Every log cleared, every bridge repaired, every trail restored is a testament to the power of people coming together to care for the places we love.

If you share our commitment to preserving and protecting public lands, we ask for your support. Whether through volunteering your time or making a donation, your contribution makes a direct impact on the Superior National Forest and beyond. Now, more than ever, the forest needs all of us.

The work of groups like NVC is becoming even more critical - we hope you'll join us.