Forest Lodge, WI 2023
A look at our project site from 2018.
Located on the shores of Lake Namakegon in the great north woods, volunteers on this project will continue a great HistoriCorps tradition of restoring and preserving this historic camp, which today is a burgeoning environmental educational center.
PROJECT PARTNER: Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
SESSION DATES: June 4-9, June 11-16, June 18-23, and June 25-30
PROJECT SUPERVISORS: Denis Moran and Reid Saunders
CREW LEADER: TBD!
Project Site Description & History
Forest Lodge was built in the early 1900s by the Livingston family of St. Paul, MN, as a private getaway. The Adirondack-style camp boasts several buildings, many of which are in need of rehabilitation. For the past decade, HistoriCorps has been invited to be a workforce for saving this place – and ensuring it can continue to serve generations to come. Tireless work by countless individuals has permitted this site to become an unmatched site for environmental education, preservation studies and experiences, and community gatherings. Forest Lodge holds a special place in many HistoriCorps volunteers’ hearts.
The Anishinabek and Sioux nations, among many others, are the traditional custodians of land and waters surrounding Forest Lodge. Northland College recently became the steward of the Forest Lodge campus. Learn more about Northland College’s educational and other programs at Forest Lodge here.
Project Supervisor Denis Moran, who has led the work at Forest Lodge for the past seven years, has this advice for volunteers: “Things to bring- eagerness to work together, acceptance of mosquitoes, a good appetite, sense of humor and a bathing suit.”
We couldn’t be more excited to share another season at Forest Lodge and we hope you can join us on one of our favorite longstanding projects.
HistoriCorps is proud to spend another season at Forest Lodge leading volunteers to restore the wonderful compound.
Sunset views from the majestic boat house.
Location and Logistics
SESSION DATES: June 4-9, June 11-16, June 18-23, and June 25-30. Please plan to arrive at the campsite no earlier than 5pm and no later than 7pm on the first day of your session.
LOCATION: 3 hours Northeast of Minneapolis, MN!
· MAP to CAMPSITE (same as project site)
ACCESS: 
This project is accessible for tent campers and those with truck campers. 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. Tasks may be varied and we will be able to accommodate nearly all skill levels on this project.
- 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 if a project session is full.
*All registrations submitted to projects at capacity will be automatically added to our waitlist.*
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.