Cheers to Wetlands: The Unsung Heroes of Voyageurs National Park
Wetlands are nature's ultimate multitaskers. From filtering water to storing carbon, preventing flooding, and housing wildlife, they soak it all in—literally.
Wetlands don't always get the recognition they deserve. They're often overshadowed by towering forests or expansive lakes. However, without wetlands, those ecosystems wouldn't thrive. Minnesota’s national park is home to over 84,000 acres of wetlands that support an incredible array of wildlife. But here's the catch: wetlands only work their magic when they're healthy.
Credit: Tom Gable
For several decades, the rich wetlands of Voyageurs National Park have faced a quiet yet concerning invasion. Non-native cattails have spread across the large lakes of Minnesota's only national park. These cattails aren't just a nuisance; they crowd out crucial wildlife habitats. This invasive species also forces out one of the region's most culturally significant plants: wild rice. Known as "manoomin" by the Anishinaabe, this grain-producing rice has been harvested by Indigenous communities in the Great Lakes region for centuries.
In 2016, Voyageurs Conservancy joined forces with the National Park Service and partners to launch the Voyageurs Wetland Restoration Project. The goal? To fight back against invasive cattails and restore our wetlands.
The park kicked off the project's third phase in 2023. Crews are removing the cattails head-on with tools ranging from heavy-duty harvesting machines to smaller, hand-operated equipment. The National Park Service also uses controlled fires to burn invasive cattails and make way for new growth.
Voyageurs Conservancy directly supports this initiative by funding equipment for invasive cattail removal and sponsoring Field Fellows who conduct crucial monitoring and research.
Meet Nissa, Wetland and Wildlife Field Fellow
If there's anyone who understands the value of wetlands, it's Nissa, one of our 2024 Wetland & Wildlife Ecology Field Fellows. Her summer at Voyageurs National Park was a deep dive (sometimes literally) into wetland restoration. Growing up in International Falls, Nissa thought she knew all about Voyageurs National Park, but her summer as a Field Fellow was an eye-opening experience.
"The saying 'be a tourist in your own town' kept coming to mind," she shares. "I'm so excited to experience this park that once seemed small and now feels overwhelmingly large."
As a Fellow, Nissa furthered crucial conservation efforts in Voyageurs. From surveying dense cattail mats (swamping her waders more than once!) to deploying spongy moth traps, she dedicated her summer to restoring the park's precious wetland ecosystems.
Nissa's surveying work paved the way for restorative treatments and healthier habitats for waterfowl, moose, beavers, turtles, and over 50 fish species. One of her favorite memories from the summer included a challenging 10-mile hike to set spongy moth traps near Cruiser Lake: "We discovered beaver lodges, dried ponds, a waterfall, and even spotted otters near the dock as we wrapped up. Being outdoors like this connects me to nature in ways other activities don't—it fills me with a sense of belonging."
And even on the toughest days—when the air is thick with humidity, and the cattails seem determined to trip her up—she reminds herself of her impact.
"The work we do to restore these wetlands to their former glory is challenging but makes a positive difference," says Nissa.
Giving Back to Voyageurs—50 Years and Counting
As we celebrate Voyageurs National Park's 50th anniversary in 2025, we're reflecting on why giving back is more important than ever. Our wetlands, forests, and lakes provide us with endless inspiration, recreation, and a deep connection to the natural world. It's our turn to ensure they remain vibrant for generations to come!
Restoring wetlands isn't easy, but it's worth it. And with your support, we can keep this work going strong.
Cheers to 50 years of Voyageurs National Park - let's keep the science and beauty flowing!
