Jo Swanson – Many Hands, One Forest: Caring for the Superior National Forest

Jo Swanson is the Executive Director of the nonprofit Friends of the Superior National Forest (formerly known as Northwoods Volunteer Connection). She lives in Two Harbors and Askov, Minnesota, but has been exploring the Gunflint Trail area for 25 years. She consistently logs over 52 nights of camping per year, many of which are in the backcountry. She has a background in environmental education and has backpacked over 20 long-distance hiking trails. The Superior National Forest is one of her favorite places. The Superior National Forest is enormous – and so is the effort to take care of it! Join Friends of the Superior National Forest Executive Director Jo Swanson to learn about the intense group effort to care for over 3 million acres of public land. Jo will give a brief overview of why this work is so critical and how the organization came to be. She’ll share some success stories with lessons learned along the way and give you inspiration for how everyone can be part of stewarding this incredible forest. This presentation will be held at the Chik-Wauk Nature Center. All presentations are family-friendly and free to the public. Donations are always appreciated. Take your time driving up the Gunflint Trail National Scenic Byway! Presentations are sponsored by Visit Cook County and the GTHS Gift Club!