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Help Zoe raise money

For participating in 2026 Grandma's Marathon Weekend Races

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My Story

        Hi! I’m Zoe, a senior at the University of Minnesota Duluth where I study environment, sustainability, and geography. I have always had a great love for the outdoors, but through my time studying at UMD, my love expanded into a deep passion for the health of our environment and the movement into a more sustainable future. My main interests are in water resource management, forestry, and natural resources.  

        At the beginning of 2025, I made a goal to start running. My whole life I hated running, especially long distance, but that’s why I made it my goal to start. I love challenging myself to get out of my comfort zone and push beyond the mental and physical limits I thought myself capable of. Running began to be an amazing outlet for my mental health and I craved the feeling of being back outside running along the north shore or on a path surrounded by trees. Running allowed for my mind to quiet and wash away any worries clouding my thoughts. Every time I run further than I've ever gone or push past that mental wall of “I can't do this,” or “I'm too tired today,” I prove to myself time and time again that I can. 

        To be running in my first half-marathon and get to raise money and awareness for the Boundary Waters while doing it, is something I am very grateful for. My two great passions colliding. 

 Thank you for your support 💙

Description

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is an undeveloped 1.1 million-acre federal and state-recognized Wilderness Area. It is an expanse of lakes, rivers, and forests in the Superior National Forest, located along the Minnesota-Canada border, that has been protected by statute and international treaty for more than a century. This is the sixth most critical region in the lower 48 to protect for climate resiliency and contains 20% of all the freshwater in the entire National Forest System. The water in the Boundary Waters is so clean, you can dip your cup and drink straight from the lake.

Save the Boundary Waters is the locally-based, national campaign led by Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness based in Ely, Minnesota dedicated to permanently protecting America’s most beloved Wilderness Area – the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Recent donors

Donation date Donor name Donation amount
May 06 Krista Geisler Way to go! $28.63
Apr 25 Jen and Clint Schneider Go Zoe! $55.25
Apr 22 Bob and Michelle Bailey ZoZo as your grandparents we are very proud to support you and the wildlife area. YOU GO GIRL!! $108.50
Apr 21 Jackie Pribyl $55.25
Apr 19 Chris & Shawney McMillan This is awesome!! Way to go Zoe!!! $108.50
Apr 18 Babs Save the water and run quite quickly my dear $12.65
Apr 17 Abby’s aunt $55.25
Apr 17 Evan and doug Thanks and love from Abby’s fam in KY! $55.25
Apr 17 Lilliam Thank you for supporting the BWCA.They absolutely matter! And keep running! You're my inspiration! $28.63
Apr 17 Margarita Stephan Go get 'em, Zoe! You will do great! 🏃‍♀️🩷 $55.25