Our assistant director, Kristen Poppleton, often says “teamwork makes the dream work.” 
As I reflect on my first two years with Minnesota Trout Unlimited, I have a new appreciation for the phrase. The culture of service and commitment to conservation through boots and shovels on the ground by MNTU volunteers and friends across the state is nothing short of remarkable and inspiring. Our conservation community is strong and growing. 

Minnesota’s trout streams are some of the state’s most cherished natural resources. I’m preaching to the choir, but in this line of work, I have a daily reminder as I spend time along the cold, clear waters winding through blufflands, forests, prairies, and north woods. But, again, preaching to the choir, they don’t stay pristine on their own. For decade after decade, the dedicated efforts of MNTU have restored hundreds of miles of riparian habitat. 

What Do Volunteers Do for Habitat? 

The short answer? A little bit of everything. 

Although Minnesota is fortunate (not to mention the envy of many other states) to have received generous annual funding from the Lessard Sams Outdoor Heritage Fund since 2009 for complete large-scale habitat improvement and enhancement work, there are many needs that exist beyond those dollars. That’s where our volunteers come in. 

You’ll often find TU volunteers wielding shovels, loppers, or even chain saws – getting dirty in the best way possible to help expand the reach of riparian habitat restoration across the state. Here are a few ways* that chapters assist in stream habitat restoration: 

• Planting native trees and shrubs to shade the water and stabilize banks 
• Removal of invasive species that crowd out native vegetation 
• Installation of brush bundles to narrow channels and improve sediment transport 
• Placing woody debris in streams and building of in-stream structures, like lunkers, to provide habitat 
• Trash pick-ups 
• Clearing of barb wire fencing to improve access  
• Water quality monitoring through citizen science monitoring programs including Save Our Streams and TU’s WiseH20 
• Inspecting streams for disturbances (like streambank erosion and fish barriers) using the TU Rivers app   
• Deploying stream temperature loggers to assist agencies with collecting the much-needed data that drives management priorities 

(*Note: These are just the habitat-related volunteer efforts. Our members also serve in other ways including teaching fly fishing workshops, advocacy, and youth education programs like Trout in the Classroom). 

It Goes Far Beyond Fish 

At MNTU, we believe we’re living through a pivotal moment in American life. Technology is changing how we connect and communicate, while political polarization and the decline of traditional community institutions have left many people feeling isolated and uncertain about how to make a difference. In a world that often feels fragmented and fast-moving, the need for real, grounded community has never been more urgent. 

That’s why volunteering with mission-driven community organizations like MNTU is more important than ever. Our work days, youth education events, and conservation efforts aren’t just about trout; they’re about building connection, community, shared purpose, and local resilience. When you join us on a project, you’re not only helping restore coldwater habitat, you’re also helping rebuild the kind of community that holds society together. In a time of big challenges, small local actions matter. And they start with people like you.  

Another bonus? Stream workdays often end with shared stories, casting practice, or grilled brats and maybe a beer – trout folks know how to blend hard work with good company. 

Want to help? 

MNTU chapters across the state host regular volunteer events – even when it’s cold outside. No experience is necessary, and you don’t even have to be a TU member (although we’d love you to join!). All that’s needed is a willingness to learn and get your boots wet.  

Sign up for statewide volunteer alerts from all chapters here.

You can also learn about opportunities by following Minnesota Trout Unlimited on Facebook and Instagram.