Native trees may be planted as part of Fall Volunteer Rendezvous

VNP Staff Report

Volunteers may lend a hand at national parks by planting native trees at shoreline sites that need restoration.
On Sept. 12 and Sept. 13, volunteers will venture into Voyageurs National Park with park staff to plant red pine, white pine, white spruce, and other native trees at sites in the park. Performing this service for the Park will enhance the beauty of the shorelines, improve wildlife habitat, and restore the sites to their natural state.
Helping the park also helps the community. Businesses near Voyageurs rely on tourism and area residents who enjoy spending time on the scenic waterways and trails of the Park.
Volunteers will be taken by boat to the worksites, which are expected to be on Namakan Lake. In addition to tree planting, some volunteers will help build protective cages to prevent deer from browsing the trees, and non-native plants may need to be removed from some areas. Everyone is welcome, and families are encouraged to participate. No experience is necessary.
The park will provide instruction and the necessary tools, but volunteers should come prepared with work gloves and appropriate clothing. The volunteer weekend is free for those who do not need lodging and meals.
The fall trail weekend is not all work and no play, according to park staff.
Celebrate the group’s accomplishments during a special no-cost dinner Sept. 13 and join the group on the morning of Sept. 14 for an adventure in the park.

For more information and to register for the event, contact Voyageurs National Park Association at vnpa@voyageurs.org or 612-333-5424.
If people are interested in participating but unable to attend the whole weekend, join park staff for one day. Register by Sept. 2.
This event was developed through a partnership of the Friends of Voyageurs National Park, the Kabetogama Tourism Bureau, Voyageurs National Park, and Voyageurs National Park Association.
The project is made possible through funding from the Beim Foundation and accommodations provided by Arrowhead Lodge and Moosehorn Resort in Kabetogama.
Can’t make it this fall but would like to participate next spring?
The next Volunteer Rendezvous will be in spring 2009.
Contact VNPA for details when they become available at vnpa@voyageurs.org or 612-333-5424.