200 volunteers needed to help maintain and improve the Superior Hiking Trail

The Superior Hiking Trail Association is improving water crossings and building boardwalk this summer to make the trail more sustainable and hiker friendly. The Association is in need of 200 volunteers over the next six weeks in several locations from Duluth on up the North Shore.

“I just had a longtime volunteer come in today and say, you know the thing that is most important to me is all of the friendships I’ve formed,” Barbara Budd told us. She’s the Volunteer and Education Coordinator for the SHTA.

More information is available at www.superiorhiking.org/volunteer. People interested in volunteering this season can find registration information and a full list of the Trail Renewal Projects on the website with registration links.

“No experience necessary! All we need is your energy and your enthusiasm,” Budd said. “Plus, camping is provided for all of these projects.”

It can be hard work, but you don’t have to be the strongest person around. Training and tools are provided.

There’s also shorter commitments available in Duluth.

But here’s the list of projects where they need volunteers the most:

What: Springdale Creek Stone Step Crossing – The project will remove an old, unsafe bridge and replace it with solid stone steps. We will also repair tread between the trailhead and creek.

When: July 12-14

Where: Superior Hiking Trail, near Tofte, Minn.

What: Mystery Mountain Trail Rehabilitation – Renew a worn and muddy section of trail, including boardwalk construction.

When: July 25-31

Where: Superior Hiking Trail, near Lutsen, Minn.

What: Encampment Crossing and Reroute – Help build a safe and sustainable crossing of the Encampment River and reroute a part of the trail that is falling away.

When: August 11-16

Where: Superior Hiking Trail, near Two Harbors, Minn.