Photo: Boreal Community Media

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - May 16, 2025

It's that time of the year again for the annual Gunflint Trail Cleanup, an opportunity for community members to contribute to the environmental well-being of a place many of us love. This year's event will incorporate litter removal and a tree planting initiative in collaboration with the US Forest Service (USFS).

Andrea Hofeldt, event organizer, told Boreal Community Media that volunteers are needed for various portions of the 57-mile Gunflint Trail, especially the areas closer to town. When signing up, the approximate mileage for each of the 40 sections has been provided to accommodate different availability and preferences, allowing community members to choose a longer or shorter segment.

In 2024, the Gunflint Trail Cleanup brought in over 100 volunteers covering the entire trail. Beyond the primary goal of removing litter, volunteers are encouraged to submit photos of unusual items they find along the way. Some previous examples included a working lock and key and a weatherproof map case, both of which were repurposed by the finding teams. Even more unusual discoveries included a bulky humidifier, a pair of dirty underwear, and a Hawaiian lei.

The 2025 event schedule is a full day of activity and community engagement. In addition to the cleanup, there will be family-friendly activities, food available for participants, and a demonstration and giveaway of 100 seedlings from Let's Plant Trees at the "Trash Bash," which takes place at the Schaap Community Center. The Friends of the Boundary Waters will also host a short presentation. Afterwards, the USFS will provide 200 red pine seedlings for planting along the Gunflint Trail from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM, with carpooling available at the planting location. 

Volunteers participating in the 2025 Gunflint Trail Cleanup will also have the chance to win prizes, including a 2-night stay at Gunflint Pines Campground, a 2-hour pontoon rental at Loon Lake Lodge, a $50 gift card to Poplar Haus, a gift card to White Pine Lodge, and a kevlar canoe day rental at Clearwater Lodge.

"It's a full day of being active and outdoors and giving back to the place we love," Hofeldt said. 

To sign up or learn more about the event, visit the Gunflint Cleanup website here.