Volunteers to restore Black River pavilion

BLACK RIVER HARBOR — Volunteers will gather at Ottawa National Forest July 11 to restore the historic Black River Harbor pavilion.  

The scope of the project includes restoration of a masonry chimney, removal of non-historic additions and general refurbishment, according to Donald Rae, a communications officer for HistoriCorps.

“As with all HistoriCorps projects, the work is carried out under supervision of trained field staff and in accordance with strict professional standards. This is the second time a HistoriCorps crew has worked at the site,” Rae said.

Founded in Denver under the auspices of Colorado Preservation Inc., HistoriCorps has expanded into a nonprofit organization that is active across the nation.  

It has completed projects in 24 states, including Alaska. Rae said its mission is to engage volunteers in restoration of historic structures for public benefit.  

It is recognized as a “service learning partner” of the U.S. Forest Service, committed to the preservation and stewardship of significant resources on public lands.  

The Black River Harbor project is a volunteer work session lasting five days, with volunteers camping, eating and working together for the duration.  

HistoriCorps provides all meals, a campsite, training and tools.  

In the course of the project, participants are introduced to the history of the site and the region and have a chance to meet like-minded people from other parts of the country, in addition to viewing waterfalls and other natural attractions at Black River Harbor.

The pavilion was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a public work relief program operated under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. It now lies on the North Country National Scenic Trail which, when completed, will be the longest hiking trail in the nation.

HistoriCorps is the subject of a planned television documentary series, currently in production, Rae said.

Learn more about HistoriCorps projects by contacting Liz Rice, Volunteer Manager, at [email protected] or 720-287-0100, extension 231, or by visiting historicorps.org.