You’re protecting the places where nature shapes lives.
For thousands of Minnesotans, a love of nature begins at a nature center or summer camp like Camp Vermilion and Inspiration Point. It’s where the quiet of the forest, the pull of a paddle, and the warmth of a campfire spark a lifelong bond with the outdoors.
This year, that bond—and the places that make it possible—became stronger because of people like you. Together, we’re protecting forests, fields, and shoreline not just for today’s campers, but forever.
Camp Vermilion: Protected Forever
Perched on the edge of the Boundary Waters, Camp Vermilion is a place where generations of campers build resilience, connection, and awe.
Its location makes it a natural launch point for advanced outdoor adventures—a place where teenagers graduate from quiet paddles to backcountry canoe trips and learning wilderness skills that last a lifetime.
Through the conservation easement, Camp Vermilion gained funding to strengthen its programs and mission, while also permanently safeguarding over 280 acres of forests, wetlands and undeveloped shoreline on beautiful Lake Vermilion.
“At Camp Vermilion, we believe in caring for creation and creating experiences that last a lifetime. This conservation easement ensures future generations will explore the same forests, paddle the same waters, and grow in the same spirit of wonder and community that have shaped Camp Vermilion for decades.“ —Phil Bramley, Executive Director, Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry
Thanks to support like yours, future generations will paddle the same waters and walk the same paths that have inspired so many before them!
Help Protect More Special Places Like These Camps!
As more camps and nature centers seek protection, your support will keep shaping the places where conservation values are born. Protect your next acre today!
Inspiration Point: Blooming Prairies & Bustling Wetlands
Over 900 acres of land at Inspiration Point Camp were permanently protected by conservation easements in 2022.
Land that is now part of Inspiration Point Camp in Otter Tail County was once a vast native prairie punctuated by over 50 wetlands. It supported hundreds of species of waterfowl, shorebirds, and pollinators. Over time, the wetlands were drained and the prairies tilled under to cultivate crops. The birds disappeared and the landscape fell silent.
But today, because of support like yours, we’re launching a project that will restore the wetlands and convert 200 acres of aggressive non-native grasses into blooming prairie again. The project is a collaboration with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Pheasants Forever. The prairie will be treated and burned this fall in preparation for spring seeding.
The full transformation will be complete in a few years and will provide vital nesting habitat for imperiled grassland birds, feeding grounds for waterfowl, and a healthier watershed for local communities.
Thanks to you, both Camp Vermilion and Inspiration Point are on track to inspire future generations, support thriving ecosystems, and remain safe from development forever.
More Photos of Camp Vermilion and Inspiration Point
These properties were protected thanks to the support of generous donors and with funding from Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund, as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature and recommended by the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Council (LSOHC).
