Want to help keep the wilderness wild? The Gunflint Trail is calling. On the morning of Saturday, June 6, teams of volunteers will be scouting the Gunflint Trail from the water tower in Grand Marais to the end of the Trail, for the 2026 Gunflint Trail Cleanup. Whether you live and work on the Trail, or just visiting, even for the day, this all-volunteer community effort takes place every Spring under the auspices of the Gunflint Trail Association.
The Trail is divided into 40 sections, ranging from about half a mile to almost two miles at the western end. According to Andrea Hofeldt, one of the owners of the historic Loon Lake Lodge, you may register for the event on the event’s registration website, gunflintcleanup.wordpress.com. You may register to participate right up to the day of.
Sign up as a group and pick a team name for your crew. One of the contests during the volunteers’ lunch that day is “Best Team Name.” A top contender that has already registered is “Garbage Patch Kids,” so put your thinking caps on. There are still spots for solo volunteers, so you can find a team and pick a name when you arrive.
“We have returning guests at the Lodge who come back every year to give back to the place they love during the Clean Up,” Andrea said. “It’s a fun way to bring the community together.”
Group leaders and individuals should pick up a registration bag at the Schaap Community Center on Friday, June 5, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Bags include vests, garbage bags, and free T-shirts while supplies last. For safety, bring gloves, insect repellent, water, and always park fully off the road.
Volunteers should plan to hit their assigned route on the Trail at 9 a.m., clear out the trash, and get back to the Community Center by 11 for a “Trash Bash!” celebration lunch prepared by Shari Baker, the owner of Gunflint Pines Resort & Campground on Gunflint Lake.
There will be games, crafts, and giveaways after lunch. Many Gunflint businesses are donating items and gift cards. Tree seedlings will be given out by “Let’s Plant Trees,” and the Friends of the Boundary Waters is planning a trivia game, focusing on mining. Cook County Invasive Species will be on hand with information about invasive species in the area and what you can do to help contain them.
Kids can learn about how lead in the environment can be fatal for loons, the Minnesota State Bird. The theme is “Get the Lead Out,” and materials are on hand to create bracelets, charms, and keychains proclaiming that message.
In addition to honoring the best team name, awards will be given for the most unique find (you’ll hear stories) and for the most salvageable item found.
Donations to help GTA cover the expenses of this event are appreciated. Ten dollars is suggested, but any amount will be gladly accepted.
