Give to the Max Day

Give to the Max Day is this week, and early giving has already begun. Give to the Max Day is special - it's the day when everyone comes together to support the causes we love. When everyone pitches in a little, it equals a big impact. Last year, Give to the Max Day raised over 34 million dollars for nonprofits and schools across the state.

This year, NVC is hoping to raise $2,500 to help us match grant funds.

NVC does a lot with each dollar we raise. For 2025, we're bringing the following events to the Superior National Forest:

🌲 Tree-planting weekends to rehabilitate fire-impacted areas

⛺ Campground clean-up and restoration projects all season long

🥾 Trail restoration and erosion control on Moss Lake Trail and South Lake Trail

🤝 Partnering with organizations to lead projects that help people connect with the Superior National Forest for the first time

🌱 Providing stewardship programming to youth in Ely

Every donation helps us meet those grant match requirements and gives NVC a chance to win additional funds! Can you help us reach our goal? Learn more and donate here.

Trail Discoveries

by Jo Swanson, NVC Executive Director

The Overlook. Lichen Log. Moose Scat Rock. Hope Ledges.

Image description: Lichen Log is one of many hidden gems along Moss Lake Trail.

You won't see these names on a map, but volunteers will remember these places for years to come.

This month, NVC volunteers gathered to work on Moss Lake Trail, a 3-mile path connecting Caribou Rock Trail with South Lake Trail near the Gunflint Trail. Moss Lake Trail is an important connector that allows for an adventurous loop hike or a nice day-long excursion.

Despite high temperatures and humidity, volunteers cleared downed trees, brushed out overgrown trail, and made the trail more sustainable by installing water diversions.

Along the way, points of interest acquired names as we commuted by foot in and out of the project area each day. There's a lot to see on Moss Lake Trail, and thanks to the volunteers, the trail itself is visible and so are many of the interesting points along the way.

Forest Techs Brett and Abby and volunteer Paul on Moss Lake Trail

We're grateful to the incredible individuals who joined us and who worked so hard to make this trail more enjoyable and sustainable. NVC also thanks the Legacy Trails Grant Program which provides partial funding for this project. 

Want to discover more hidden places? NVC is returning to the Gunflint Trail in just a couple of weeks. On August 1 - 3, we'll be working on South Lake Trail. There's still time to learn more and sign up!

Mud and More

Image description: A wet, gooey trail is host to several mud holes.

by Jo Swanson, NVC Executive Director

If you’re like me, you’ve traded out your normal shoes for mud boots more than once this past month. While we commiserate over the seemingly relentless rainfall, it’s worth remembering that our beloved trails are impacted by rain as well.

Wet conditions harm trails in many ways. When soils are soft, they are easily damaged. If trail users leave deep footprints or tire tracks behind, those holes and ruts fill with water. Mosquitoes love this; humans don’t love it, and they often skirt the wet areas, further damaging the ecosystem around the trail.

Whether you hike, bike, or recreate with motor vehicles, think twice about heading out to your favorite trail when conditions are soggy. Consider alternatives that may be more sustainable in wet conditions. If you’re going to the Superior National Forest, the SNF website is a great place to check for updates on road conditions, ideas for where to explore, and more.

If you’ve never given back to a trail by volunteering, now is a great time to join our effort to improve Moss Lake and South Lake Trails! Volunteers will work July 11-14 and August 1-3 to improve trail conditions. These beautiful trails near the Gunflint Trail have some wet areas where we'll work to make the area more sustainable. First-time volunteers are encouraged! Together, we can make sure these trails are around for generations to come. Learn more and sign up here.

Image description: A foggy lake in early-morning light is accessed by a volunteer-maintained trail.