Better Trails and Extra Fun

by Jo Swanson, NVC Executive Director

Smiles all around as the crew prepares to head out. Photo by Kevin Myrmel.

This month, I had the joy of spending a day working with the Kekekabic Trail Chapter of the North Country Trail Association. The primary project was constructing an important connector trail which will link the Kekekabic Trail with the Border Route Trail. 

It takes a lot of hard work to build and maintain trails, but it also takes a lot of laughter. I don’t think I went a full hour without laughing during my day with the Kekekabic Trail Chapter, and that was despite it being a dreary, rainy day! Volunteers always have both skills and stories to share and I felt lucky to meet so many amazing people and reconnect with some old friends, too.

That’s what I’m looking forward to most about NVC’s upcoming projects at Moss Lake Trail and South Lake Trail this summer - the stories and laughter we’ll share while on the trail together. NVC is still seeking volunteers for those projects, so please consider joining us. Tools, training, camping, and laughter will be provided. You can learn more here!

A little rain didn't deter the crew! Photo by Kevin Myrmel.

A New Year and New Opportunities with NVC!

Hello! My name is Jo Swanson and I am excited and honored to be joining Northwoods Volunteer Connection as the Executive Director! I’ve spent many years living, working, and volunteering in the Northwoods, collecting miles, campsites, and friends along the way. There’s no place that feels more like home, and I look forward to connecting others to this great northern landscape and its many opportunities.

My journey to NVC began as a volunteer on trails in Lake County. At the time, I had no idea what it takes to create and maintain access to outdoor recreation opportunities. I learned quickly that this is group project work unlike any other. It takes an enormous amount of dedication to keep trails open, canoe entry points cleared, and campsites maintained. If you’ve played in the Northwoods, you’ve almost certainly benefited from the great work of volunteers. 

Volunteers are awesome and so important! Most recently I worked for the Superior Hiking Trail Association, where I was able to meet and work with fantastic groups of volunteers. Every year we coordinated and led projects along the entire route of the 300-mile trail. Volunteers consistently went above and beyond, impressing me with their dedication every day.

As we celebrate the arrival of 2024, we at NVC hope you will consider joining us in our mission. We will announce upcoming projects beginning in February. Please sign up to receive project announcements here.

In the meantime, we continue to rely on donations to help fund our stewardship work. Your contributions are used as critical match dollars as we leverage private and federal grants to fund our projects. You may donate at any time by clicking here. We appreciate the support.

I am looking forward to leading NVC and working with you on the trails!