I'm fundraising for the Boundary Waters!

I’m running the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon this year to raise funds for the love of the Boundary Waters because this place holds a special spot in my heart. 26.2 miles is a small price to pay to help protect one of America's greatest wilderness areas.

I visited the Boundary Waters for the first time two years ago with a small group of veterans from across the US. We were led by two local guides on a relatively intense trip that spanned 13 lakes and had us portage multiple times each day. I fell in love. Though I haven't had the chance to go back yet, I plan on many more trips in the future and hope to instill in my kids the same love I now have.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a 1.1 million-acre haven of lakes, rivers, and forests along the Minnesota-Canada border — one of the most critical regions for climate resiliency. Protected for over a century, it holds 20% of all the freshwater in the National Forest System. With 1,100 lakes and 237 miles of hiking trails, it’s a place where millions reconnect with nature, from paddling to hiking to just soaking in the quiet. Home to wildlife like wolves, moose, and loons, the Boundary Waters is one of the last truly wild places left — and it needs protection now more than ever.

Toxic sulfide-ore copper mining has been proposed just upstream of the Boundary Waters. This type of mining is known as one of the most polluting industries in the U.S., and if it’s allowed to happen here, it could permanently harm the clean water, wildlife, and sense of wild we all treasure. Once the damage is done, there’s no going back.

That’s why I’m raising money to help protect the Boundary Waters — not just for me, but for everyone who loves it now and in the future. The funds raised will support legal action, advocacy, and grassroots organizing to fight back against mining threats and push for permanent protections.

If you’ve ever dipped a paddle in this place, heard the echo of a loon call, or just believe in protecting our public lands — I hope you’ll consider making a donation.

Let’s keep the Boundary Waters wild, for the love of the Boundary Waters.