Madeline (left) and Finn McCormick of St. Paul were two of the volunteers who helped clear brush away from around baby trees last year. They were working just off the Kekekabic Trail, tending to seedlings that had been planted by volunteers last year in an effort to restore the forest after the 2007 Ham Lake Fire.
Residents and visitors to Cook County are invited once again to take part in the fourth annual Gunflint Green Up May 6 – 7 at various locations along the Gunflint Trail.
Gunflint Green Up stemmed from the need and desire of all of us with a shared appreciation for the area to help nurture the forest after the 2007 Ham Lake Fire – the largest forest fire in Minnesota since the early 1900’s – destroyed 75,000 acres in Minnesota and Ontario, including many homes and structures along the Gunflint Trail. Four years later, the Green Up has made a significant impact, giving life through the planting of more than 100,000 seedlings.
“In addition to being visually pleasant and iconic to Minnesota vacations, pine trees are a necessary part of the environmental health of the Gunflint Trail,” said Nancy Seaton, Hungry Jack Outfitters. “Planting trees gives nature a head start, and assures future generations the benefit of northern pine forest. “
The Forest Service has 10,000 pine seedlings reserved for Gunflint Green Up planters this year. Four years of vegetation growth since the Ham Lake Fire means planting seedlings will be slightly more difficult than previous years. A small patch of earth will be “scarified” or “scalped” to remove competitive vegetation before the seedling is planted.
Volunteers are asked to wear sturdy footwear and to bring clothing for a variety of weather conditions, from snow to rain to sunshine. In addition to planting seedlings, Forest Service personnel will instruct volunteers on removal of plastic tree protectors from previous years’ plantings and pulling invasive species. Tools will be provided.
In addition to planting, weekend activities include “Walks and Talks” along the Gunflint Trail, a presentation by historian Lee Johnson, and social gatherings with food, music and dancing.
Registration for all weekend activities is $35, which includes three meals and a T-shirt. A family package is also available $80, and individuals wishing to only participate in the planting may register at no charge. Registration must be received by May 5, so sign-up today! For more information and to register, visit www.GunflintGreenUp.com.
Gunflint Green Up Schedule of Events
Friday, May 6
2:00 p.m.
Walks and Talks
Join a Fire Ecology hike on
the “Nature Trail” at Trail’s
End Campground with Steve
Robertsen. Meet at the
canoe landing at Trail’s End
Campground (Seagull Lake
side of campground).
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Welcome Picnic
Big Top at Gunflint Lodge
Music by Gerald Thilmany
7:30 p.m.
Paulson Mine and the
Port Arthur Duluth
and Western Railroad:
Collapse of the Gunflint
Iron Range
After dinner presentation by
historian Lee Johnson
Saturday, May 7
9:30 a.m.
Gunflint Green Up Tree
Seedling Planting
Registrants will receive an
email with their assigned
staging area. Box lunch
provided
5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Thank You Dinner
Under the Big Top at
Gunflint Lodge with music
by Bump and Barbara Jean
8:00 p.m.
Dance to Trail’s End Band
Under the Big Top at
Gunflint Lodge
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