13,500 Minnesota Volunteers Give $9M Worth of Conservation Help

Minnesota's army of nature lovers just proved that protecting the environment is a team sport.

More than 13,500 volunteers rolled up their sleeves to help the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources in 2025, according to the agency's newly released annual report. Their collective effort was worth an estimated $9 million in services.

The volunteers tackled everything from monitoring rainfall levels to clearing hiking trails. They taught firearms safety classes, improved wildlife habitat, welcomed campers at state parks, planted trees, tagged fish for research, and led candlelight hike events across the state.

Minnesota has consistently ranked in the top five states nationwide for volunteering. "We have a spirit in this state of caring for others and the environment," said Renée Vail, DNR volunteer director.

For the sixth straight year, Minnesota led the entire nation in recruiting volunteers for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network. These citizen scientists measure and gather precipitation data that helps researchers track weather patterns across the state.

The impact goes beyond impressive numbers. Jim Lockrem noticed erosion threatening a loon nesting site on a DNR-owned island near Frazee. Instead of just reporting the problem, he partnered with DNR staff to develop a restoration plan.

Lockrem then rallied his Lake Seven Lake Association to cut willow shoots and create willow wattles, living bundles of branches that stabilize shorelines naturally. The association funded the materials while the DNR brought in the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa to install them. On installation day, Lockrem was there too, working alongside everyone to protect the loons' home.

The Ripple Effect

Since the DNR established its volunteer program in 1988, Minnesotans have contributed over 13.3 million hours of service. That's an estimated value of more than $268 million worth of conservation work, all powered by people who simply care about protecting their state's natural beauty.

These volunteers aren't just saving taxpayer dollars. They're building stronger connections between communities and the wild places that make Minnesota special, ensuring future generations can enjoy the same lakes, forests, and wildlife.

Minnesota's volunteers are proving that caring for nature is contagious.