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Before volunteers headed out to plant trees, US Forest Service staff gave instructions on tree planting procedures. There were about 30 Forest Service staff members and community volunteers overseeing the planting. At the end of the day, almost 10,000 seedlings had been planted in the Ham Lake Fire area. And, at the end of the day, folks enjoyed dinner at the Big Top at Gunflint Lodge and dancing to Trail’s End Band.

Above: The weather was wonderful for this year’s event and participants were able to enjoy lunch al fresco. The lunch was well-earned, as planters had to “scalp” away vegetation in a 12”x12” spot prior to planting each seedling. Above right: A successfully planted seedling. Right: Getting organized to start planting were Mike Valentini, Adam Felts, Kathy Lande and Harvey Sobieck. Suzanne Weber, for the Cook County Visitors Bureau, expressed appreciation to all the participants. “Gunflint Green Up is successful because of the dedicated volunteers who plant trees, serve food, install the banner signs, direct parking, and do all the necessary tasks to host an event.”