Volunteers needed to clear park trails

Help make the trail system in Voyageurs National Park safer and more enjoyable by volunteering to clear trails during the weekend of Sept. 28-30.
Park trails are a destination for hikers, bird-watchers, skiers, and snowshoers.
Keeping the park’s trail system well maintained benefits not only out-of-town visitors, but also businesses near the park that rely on tourism and area residents who enjoy the trail themselves.
Crews guided by experienced U.S. National Park Service staff and volunteer leaders will clear sections of the Kab-Ash Trail on Friday, Sept. 28 and Saturday, Sept. 29.
All trail work will be done with hand tools, which will be provided, so no prior experience is necessary. But volunteers should come prepared with personal safety gear (goggles, work gloves, and boots) and be physically fit for a four-mile round-trip hike and a moderate work day.
We also are looking for people interested in working closely with the crew leaders to learn the skills necessary to lead a crew during a fall trail event in subsequent years.
National Public Lands Day is the nation’s largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands Americans enjoy. Last year, about 100,000 people volunteered.
For more information about National Public Lands Day, visit www.publiclandsday.org
The fall trail weekend is not all work and no play! Celebrate the group’s accomplishments during a special dinner on the Saturday night (Sept. 29), hosted by Voyageurs National Park Association and Arrowhead Lodge.
Then join the group on Sunday morning (Sept. 30) for an adventure in the park. We will explore Kabetogama Lake by pontoon boat and kayak, or offer opportunities for hiking and bird-watching.
Everyone is welcome. Families with children old enough to be safe around brush-clearing tools are especially encouraged to participate.
For more information, meeting times, and locations, and to register for the event, contact the Voyageurs National Park Association (VNPA) at vnpa@voyageurs.org or 1-612-333-5424.
If you are interested in participating but are unable to attend the whole weekend, join us for one day. Please register by Sept. 20.
This event was developed through a partnership of the Kabetogama Tourism Bureau, Voyageurs National Park, and Voyageurs National Park Association.
The project is made possible through funding from the Quetico Superior Foundation and discounted accommodations provided by Arrowhead Lodge and Moosehorn Resort in Kabetogama, Mn.
Can’t make it this fall but would like to participate in the spring? The next Volunteer Trail Rendezvous will be in spring, 2008.