Volunteer Rendezvous

Join us at the 2013 Fall Volunteer Rendezvous September 27-28!

Each fall, Voyageurs National Park Association and the National Park Service host the Volunteer Rendezvous, a two-day volunteer blitz in Voyageurs National Park. And you’re invited.

People of all ages and skills are welcome to attend – no experience necessary. National Park Service staff will provide you with the tools and training required to make a positive impact on the park.

The Volunteer Rendezvous isn’t all work and no play! We have several fun activities planned, including a boat tour, appreciation dinner, canoeing, and a “Ghosts of Voyageurs” candlelight hike.

The Rendezvous provides a great opportunity to get involved at Minnesota’s national park, meet Park Service staff and see the park in a whole new way. Volunteers are welcome to sign up for one or both days. Projects often include restoration, planting, invasive species removal or trail clearing.

2013 work project: Tree planting along the park’s new recreation trail

Please contact us if you would like to receive information about the 2013 Volunteer Rendezvous: vnpa@voyageurs.org, 612-333-5424

VNPA would like to thank the Nash Foundation for their continued support of the Volunteer Rendezvous.

If you are unable to attend this year, but would like to support our work that weekend with a donation, you can donate online here and put ‘Volunteer Rendezvous’ as the gift designation.

For information on lodging, click here

Past Volunteer Rendezvous

In 2012, the group logged 200 hours working on 3 miles of trails and planting over 600 plants. The group helped complete on-the-ground projects at several locations of the park. Staff, volunteers and partners celebrated their hard work with a celebration dinner at Sha Sha Resort.

Ranger Chris Amidon who led the group of volunteers commented, “Through the dedicated efforts of volunteers, Voyageurs National Park accomplishes many projects that furthers our mission of preservation and enjoyment of our inspirational landscape. The fall Volunteer Rendezvous was a great success. People near and far came together to participate in the park’s operation, upkeep, and appreciation, which fostered a spirit of community stewardship.”

Click here to see photos from the 2012 Volunteer Rendezvous.

In 2011, over 30 volunteers teamed up with National Park Service staff to plant trees, shrubs and wildflowers that have cultural and medicinal significance in Ojibwe tradition and are native to Voyageurs’ ecosystem. These plants are a part of the park’s newest educational destination, an ethnobotanical garden at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. The group logged over 300 hours on the project.

Thank you, volunteers!