Northern Forest Canoe Trail Announces Volunteer Stewardship Projects

Volunteers can sign up for weekends of community service in the woods across the Northeast

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:01am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic outdoor recreation object such as a canoe paddle or life jacket, repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the community-driven stewardship efforts that maintain the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.Vibrant silkscreen art celebrates the community-driven stewardship efforts that maintain the Northern Forest Canoe Trail's vast network of waterways.Plattsburgh Today

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail, a 740-mile water trail spanning New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine, is inviting volunteers to join their annual Waterway Work Trips this upcoming stewardship season. During the work trips, volunteers will camp and help the NFCT's stewardship crews complete projects focused on maintaining campsites, portages, privies, and other infrastructure along the trail.

Why it matters

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail relies on volunteer support to maintain and improve the extensive water trail network that connects communities and natural landscapes across the Northeast. These stewardship projects help ensure the trail remains accessible and sustainable for paddlers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The details

The NFCT has scheduled 10 Waterway Work Trip projects from June through July, spanning locations from the Adirondacks in New York to the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in Maine. Volunteers will help with tasks like improving tent pads, building access paths, constructing new campsites, reducing erosion, and installing boardwalks. In addition to the hands-on work, volunteers will have time to paddle, explore, and relax in the scenic natural settings.

  • The Waterway Work Trips run from June 14 to July 26, 2026.
  • Most trips begin Friday evening and wrap up after lunch on Sunday, except for those in the Allagash Wilderness Waterway which run from Thursday to Sunday.

The players

Northern Forest Canoe Trail

A nonprofit organization that maintains and promotes the 740-mile water trail running from New York to Maine.

Noah Pollock

The Stewardship Director for the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

Nick Hall

The Assistant Trail Director for the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, who oversees the Roving Crew.

Ethan Israel

The leader of the Allagash Crew for the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, returning for his third season.

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What they’re saying

“Waterway Work Trip volunteers provide an invaluable resource to our stewardship teams, allowing them to complete projects across the trail. It's a great opportunity for people to give back to the trail and enjoy some time in the woods.”

— Noah Pollock, Stewardship Director, Northern Forest Canoe Trail

“I couldn't be more proud or excited to take on this new position. Already, I've gained a deeper appreciation for the organization, the community, and all the behind-the-scenes work that makes our stewardship efforts possible.”

— Nick Hall, Assistant Trail Director, Northern Forest Canoe Trail

What’s next

Interested volunteers can sign up for the Waterway Work Trips on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail's website. Space is limited for each trip, and there is a $35 registration fee to cover meals.

The takeaway

The Northern Forest Canoe Trail's volunteer stewardship program is an opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to give back to the iconic water trail network that connects communities across the Northeast. These hands-on projects help maintain the trail's infrastructure and ensure it remains accessible for paddlers and nature lovers for years to come.