Forest Lodge, WI 2024
Forest Lodge, WI 2024

Forest Lodge, WI 2024

Forest Lodge, WI 2024

Perhaps our longest continuing project to date, Forest Lodge is among our most popular volunteer opportunities, and with good reason. Early birds get the worm on this one, so don’t wait to register and we’ll see you on Lake Namakegon!

PROJECT PARTNER: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest

SESSION DATES: June 2-7, June 9-14, June 16-21, and June 23-28

PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Denis Moran and Reid Saunders

CREW LEADER: Charles Dobry!

Project Site Description & History

It’s that time of year again when a returning cast of characters and a slew of new preservationists make the drive out to the northern woods of Wisconsin in an effort to continue a time honored tradition we’ve been enough lucky to foster at the etherial Forest Lodge. Without a doubt, Forest Lodge is HistoriCorps’ longest continuing project and with good reason. The roughly 50 acre Historic District is made up of 12 structures including the Gatehouse, Great Hall, Guesthouse, and the iconic Boathouse which sits on the banks of the beautiful Lake Namekagon.

For nearly a decade HistoriCorps has engaged over 200 volunteers along with several youth corps to restore the various structures making up the Historic District. From window glazing, log repairs, finish and rough carpentry, roofing and flooring, to just about any kind of preservation effort required to maintain a compound of this stature, we’ve been hands on making it happen. However, what has set this project above the rest and why so many flock to Wisconsin each June has been the reliable camaraderie and pristine lake access accompanied with a long day’s preservation effort. It’s one of those places you have to see to believe, but also one of those projects you have to experience for yourself.

HistoriCorps’ Operations Manager Denis Moran has been serving double duty as Forest Lodge’s Project Manager and Project Supervisor, and for nearly a decade he’s instilled a legacy of exceptional craftsmanship and strong leadership to accompany his lighthearted afterwork recreation efforts, usually involving a kayak and a local brew. It’s this legacy that has many volunteers returning each season to build new memories to go alongside their previous ones.

Forest Lodge is made up of 8,723 acres that was donated to the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in 1999 by Mary Griggs Burke with the intention of providing environmental research and educational programs. Today is it stewarded by the Northland College serving as a premier center for environmental leadership, sustainability, and conservation education. It’s important to note this area was home to the Anishinabek and Sioux nations, among many others, who are the traditional custodians of land and waters surrounding Forest Lodge. For more information please visit Northland College’s website.

We say it every year, but this opportunity fills up fast, so please don’t hesitate if you are interested in joining us this season. We look forward to sharing this amazing legacy with you and can’t wait for another year of cherished memories!

Location and Logistics

SESSION DATES: June 2-7, June 9-14, June 16-21, and June 23-28

Please plan to arrive at the campsite no earlier than 5pm and no later than 7pm on the first day of your session.

LOCATION:  Located 3 hours Northeast of Minneapolis, MN!

MAP to FOREST LODGE

CAMPSITE INFORMATION:

      showers available

Tent campers, truck campers, and campervans will have access to our campsite. Showers will be available! Let us know if you’d like to bring your pup – we require specific approval from our partner.

WEATHER:  Anticipate highs in the mid 70s and lows in the 50s. Weather conditions may be rainy, cloudy, or sunny. Volunteers are responsible for checking weather conditions before their session begins, and packing appropriately.

ABOUT VOLUNTEERING: HistoriCorps projects are free for volunteers! HistoriCorps will provide all meals, tools, training, equipment, and a campsite. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to the campsite, sleeping equipment, work gloves, clothes and boots, and other personal gear.

Scope of Work

SCOPE OF WORK DIFFICULTY:

HistoriCorps is committed to educating and training volunteers in preservation skills, with an overarching mission of inspiring a preservation ethic in all those involved. Learning and working alongside expert HistoriCorps field staff and participants from the Great Lakes Climate Corps, volunteers will use the traditional skills necessary to restore several elements of the Forest Lodge:

  • Rebuilding Kitchen Porch
  • Re-glaze wooden sash windows in Guest House
  • General maintenance of campus
  • Small cedar re-roof of Guest House Bulkhead

Please note: Tasks vary by day and by week, depending on a variety of factors including: weather, project priorities, previous groups’ work, and more. Though it is likely you will get to learn and practice most or all of the above tasks, it is not guaranteed. The higher percentage of the scope a particular task is, the more likely you will get to practice it.

Sign Up!

We’re thrilled this project has inspired you to volunteer!

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

Visit our Job Calendar to see spaces are available!

*All registrations submitted to projects at capacity will be automatically added to our waitlist.*

CANCELLATIONS effect our ability to complete projects. Please register only if you are certain about your ability to participate.

You will know your registration was successful when you receive a confirmation email. Contact volunteer@historicorps.org for assistance.

HistoriCorps does not charge for its volunteering projects. HistoriCorps relies on donations to continue engaging volunteers to save significant historical sites across America for generations to come. Your donation of any amount will make an incredible difference! Increase your impact – make a generous gift today.

Volunteer Logistics, Policies, and Advice

We’re so glad you’re interested in joining this project! If you’re new to our community, review the Volunteer FAQ first! Please note the following logistics and policies: 

  • Volunteering with HistoriCorps is free! We will provide all meals, tools, training, equipment, and a campsite or shared indoor lodging. Dinner is not provided on the first night. 
  • Volunteers are responsible for bringing their own gear, work gloves, sturdy work clothes and boots, and appropriate sleeping equipment. Check the average temperatures before you start packing – the nights and mornings may be colder than you anticipate! Then, read this advice about how to stay warm when tent camping in colder places. 
  • Campsite accessibility varies by project. Some projects can accommodate tents only; others can accommodate small RVs. Please review the project site description above for more information, and if you’re still not sure, email volunteer@historicorps.org for help. 
  • If this project does not offer showers, you might want to consider bringing a solar shower or research other methods to clean up after the work day. 
  • Volunteer crew sizes generally range from 4-8 volunteers, with two HistoriCorps staff that lead and train volunteers in the work. 
  • Safety is one of HistoriCorps’ top priorities, and volunteers can contribute to a safe working environment by ensuring their physical fitness is adequate for the work. See above for this project’s scope of work and difficulty level. Please, call us if you are not quite sure if a project is a good fit for your skills or fitness level. We may be able to suggest a project more suitable and enjoyable for you. 
  • Hard hats, eye protection, ear protection, gloves are standard personal protection equipment (PPE) required on all projects. Hard hats must be worn at all times on the project site, unless working in a designated safe space. Field staff will train volunteers on correct use of PPE. 
  • Dogs are generally allowed to accompany their humans in project campsites (actually, we love having dogs join us around the campfire!). Dogs are not permitted on the job site for everyone's safety. HOWEVER: HistoriCorps also follows the rules and regulations of our project partner. If the project partner does not permit dogs onsite then HistoriCorps is no exception. Please ask HistoriCorps or the project partner directly if you have any questions about whether Fido is welcome.