Waterway Work Trips
Explore the natural world, meet people with similar interests and help complete meaningful work along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail this summer! Join our staff, interns and other volunteers for a weekend of field work. A small fee covers all meals, including Friday dinner, Saturday meals, Sunday breakfast and lunch. Trips begin Friday evening (Thursday for Allagash trips) and wrap up after lunch on Sunday — and we always make time for paddling, exploration and relaxation.
Here is a list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any additional questions or want to be added to a waitlist for full trips, please contact Trail Director Noah Pollock at noah@northernforestcanoetrail.org or 802-496-2285 ext. 2.
See below for this year’ slate of Waterway Work Trips. Please note that it’s early and some details are subject to change. Work trips are first come, first serve and capped at 8-10 participants.
Be sure to register ASAP … these trips are filling up fast! If you’d like to be placed on a waitlist for a trip that is sold out, please email marthe@northernforestcanoetrail.org.
June 20-22, Valcour Island, Lake Champlain, NY
Help complete critical maintenance at campsites and footpaths on Valcour Island, one of the most scenic and historic islands on Lake Champlain. Work will involve a variety of campsite maintenance tasks.
***This trip is full. Email marthe@northernforestcanoetrail.org to be placed on the waitlist.***
Click Here for Additional Information
June 27-29, Brown’s Tract Carry, Inlet/Raquette Lake, NY
Join fellow paddlers and our roving stewardship crew to complete maintenance along this important carry in the heart of Adirondack canoe country.
***This trip is full. Email marthe@northernforestcanoetrail.org to be placed on the waitlist.***
Click Here for Additional Information
June 25-28, Boy Scout Campsite, Chamberlain Lake, Allagash Wilderness Waterway, ME
In partnership with Maine AMC, help restore cell buffers through plantings, create level tent pads and install stone steps at this beautiful and popular campsite, a short paddle in from Chamberlain Bridge.
***Two spots remaining.**
Click Here for Additional Information
July 3-6, High Bank Campsite, Chamberlain Lake, Allagash Wilderness Waterway, ME
Explore the “quiet side” of Churchill Lake and help spruce up this wonderful campsite. Work will involve setting stone steps, completing bank restoration and improving tent pads.
***6 spots remaining***
Click Here for Additional Information
July 4-6, Lower Locks Carry, Saranac Lake, NY
Spend the holiday weekend completing maintenance along the Saranac River’s Lower Locks Carry Trail leading into beautiful Oseetah Lake. Work involves installing a series of stone steps. Trip capped at eight due in accordance with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation regulations.
***This trip is full. Email marthe@northernforestcanoetrail.org to be placed on the waitlist.***
Click Here for Additional Information
July 8-11, Murphy’s Field Campsite, Chamberlain Lake, Allagash Wilderness Waterway, ME
Help our Allagash crew install stone steps and build tent pads at this quiet and remote site in the southern “arm” of Churchill Lake.
***6 spots remaining***
Click Here for Additional Information
July 11-13, Missisquoi Paddle-Pedal & Stewardship, Richford, VT
Help behind (and beyond) the scenes at the Missisquoi Paddle-Pedal, a wonderful community event in northern Vermont held on Saturday, July 12, and then contribute to maintenance at campsite and portage trails along this wild and scenic river on Sunday, July 13.
***6 spots remaining***
Click Here for Additional Information
July 18-20, Umbagog Lake Accessible Campsite, Upton, NH
Camp on an island while helping establish the first accessible campsite on Umbagog Lake in beautiful northern New Hampshire.
***This trip is full. Email marthe@northernforestcanoetrail.org to be placed on the waitlist.***
July 19-22, Gravel Beach Campsite, Chamberlain Lake, Allagash Wilderness Waterway, ME
Join fellow volunteers to improve accessibility at this classic Allagash campsite. Work will involve constructing gravel access paths, tent pads and an accessible, moldering privy.
***6 spots open***
Click Here for Additional Information
July 25-27, Haley Pond/South Branch Dead Carries, Rangeley, ME
Help maintain and improve this important portage connecting Haley Pond to the South Branch of the Dead River in the wonderful Rangeley Lakes Region. Work will involve repairing bog bridges, smoothing the trail corridor, installing a trail bridge and building stone steps.
***This trip is full. Email marthe@northernforestcanoetrail.org to be placed on the waitlist.***