MN-3918
July 12-16; 19-23; 26-30, 2010
Must commit to one full session; may participate in more
Portage Creek East is a unique prehistoric site located in the heart of the Chippewa National Forest. It is unusal because, unlike other sites in the area, it is located along a stream bed rather than on a lake shore. Excavations completed thus far suggest that the site was occupied during the earliest phase of the Woodland period (ca. 1000 B.C.). Recovery of pottery consistent with the Brainerd ceramic style, which may extend from 3000 years ago in the Mississippi Headwaters region, supports these preliminary investigations. Earlier or later components may yet be identified. PIT volunteers and Forest staff investigate the site further this year. Once again, work will include trowel and shovel excavation, screening, completing forms, sketch mapping, taking notes and photographs, and collecting samples for analysis. The recovery of these cultural materials may provide answers about when, why, and how people used this area, and will add to our knowledge of the changing prehistoric environmental conditions and how people responded to them. These data will also be used to determine the site's eligibility for placement on the National Register of Historic Places (NHRP). Please join us for year two!
Number of openings: 40
Special skills: Must be able to sit or kneel for extended periods each day; excavation, mapping, and/or photography experience helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Developed camping at FS campgrounds (tents and RVs); water, showers, and electrical hookups; camping fees may be waived at some sites for the days you volunteer; Cass Lake and Bemidji are full-service communities with motels, restaurants, and a full range of other amenities; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment, food, and transportation
Nearest towns: Bena, 3 miles; Cass Lake, 21 miles; Grand Rapids, 20 miles
Applications due: May 10, 2010
MN-3945
June 28-July 1; July 5-9 , 2010
Must commit to one full session; may participate both
The Superior National Forest needs veteran excavators! The Gordon Site is located on a very anomalous set of beach benches, most likely created by glacial melt water movement during the Late Pleistocene (ca. 13,000-11,000 B.P.). The connection between bench formations and human occupation is not yet clear, though the site is thought to be a long-term habitation. During this year's project, two glacial/Quaternary geologists will visit the site to sample and analyze sediments to see if they can determine the environmental conditions at the various times of occupation. Previous (1999-2002; 2005) investigations revealed these occupations to be consistent with the Late Paleoindian (ca. 10,000-8,000 B.P.) and Archaic (ca. 8,000- 2,000 B.P.) time periods. This year, PIT volunteers and FS staff will conduct excavations at the site to determine formation processes and to help gather data regarding specific soil characteristics. Excavation will be limited in scope (approximately 6 1x1-meter test units), and will focus on exposing intact soil profiles. Volunteers will also spend considerable time with transit and sub-meter Global Position Systems (GPS) as they map and record the site area.
During the week, there will be a presentation or set of presentations on the local culture history of northeastern Minnesota. This will give participants enough background and orientation to understand the area and to have some insight into the site's importance within it. Further, because this project promises to draw a good amount of local attention, volunteers will have an opportunity to try their hands at a bit of public interpretation. The excavation will also coincide with the opening of the Chik Wauk History Museum. This 70-year-old stone lodge is owned by the Forest and, with FS permission and support, has been turned into a museum by our partners, the local Gunflint Trail Historical Society. Volunteers will have the chance to visit the museum and to join in the festivities of its "grand opening!"
Those interested in joining us in June will submit applications to the PIT Clearinghouse as with other projects. However, we will take applications until our rosters are filled, or will close the listing Friday, May 28, so apply today! This promises to be a fun and interesting project, so we hope to se you this summer!
Number of openings: 5
Special skills: Previous excavation experience required; previous experience with GPS/transit use and surveying techniques helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Tent camping at rustic area campgrounds or at remote FS guard station; vault toilets, potable water, access to showers; toilets provided at work site; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment, meals, and transportation
Nearest towns: Grand Marais, 40 miles
Applications due: Filled!
MN-3950
September 27-October 1, 2010
Must commit to full session
The Sawbill Guard Cabin, set above the shores of scenic Sawbill Lake, is a testament to the days of remote station work carried out by National Forest guards. It was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) at Sawbill Camp F-10 for the Superior National Forest in 1936. It remains in use to this day to house seasonal wilderness crews. The PIT project hosted at the Cabin in 2008 focused on restoring the frames and windows, painting, and restoration of other of the Guard Station's interior components. This year, PIT volunteers and Superior NF Heritage staff will rehabilitate the historic, dry-laid stone work in the exterior. We will reset loose rocks and rebuild collapsed portions of a 50-meter, rock retaining wall, and will uncover and reset historic paving stones in the vicinity of the main cabin. The desired effect of this year's project is to uncover and rehabilitate significant, and often underappreciated, historic landscape features associated with the National Registry-eligible Sawbill Guard Station Complex.
The northern portion of Sawbill Lake is within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The area is heavily wooded with white pines, red pines, spruce, balsam, birch and aspen. It is quiet and beautiful here, and there is much to do outside of project hours such as exploring the nearby wilderness, enjoying nature hikes, fishing, and canoeing - we'll even have some canoes on hand, free of charge, for relaxing after work hours. Join us on our "rocky road" this fall and enjoy this peaceful and picturesque area!
Number of openings: 8
Special skills: Construction and/or landscaping experience helpful, but not required
Minimum age: 18 years old
Facilities: Tent and RV camping (no hook-ups) at no charge at adjacent Sawbill Lake Campground; water, vault toilet, small store, showers (in store), canoe launch and dock access; volunteers responsible for personal camping equipment, meals, and transportation
Nearest towns: Tofte, 20 miles
Applications due: Filled!