Northwoods Volunteer Connection

         Stewarding the Superior National Forest         

3.9 million acres of the Superior National Forest. 1 million acres of Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Thousands of trees waiting to be planted. Hundreds of miles of trails that need maintenance. Dozens of wilderness portages and entry points that need attention. 

Northwoods Volunteer Connection is tackling it all.

We partner with the United States Forest Service and local organizations to coordinate volunteer efforts on public land in northeastern Minnesota. We aim to strengthen the connection between visitors and the land while sustaining natural and recreational resources.

In 2024, one of our focus areas was near the Gunflint Trail in Cook County, at Moss Lake Trail and South Lake Trail. Our fantastic volunteers replaced a rotting boardwalk, cleared the overgrown path, installed drainage features to mitigate erosion, and had a great time.

Since 2016, NVC accomplishments include:

• 112 volunteer projects
• 14.5 acres of invasive species mitigated
• 10 acres restored with native species
• 168 miles of trail improved and maintained
• 940 volunteers donating 7,400 volunteer hours
• 273 youth engaged

Why NVC? Why now?
We are small but growing! In 2025, we are more than quadrupling the number of projects we are hosting! To fund this work, we have received a variety of grants, BUT we need donated match dollars in order to access those grant funds! 

When you donate to NVC, you are helping us match, dollar-for-dollar, grant funds which otherwise wouldn't be available. These funds will impact trails, portages, campsites, and forest health. You'll be supporting the volunteers working on these projects, ensuring that they have the tools and equipment they need to do great work and stay safe. 

Help NVC grow its impact! Please donate today!