Brownie Troop 5311 visits Northwoods Animal Shelter in Iron River

Brownie Troop 5311 brought a burst of help to Northwoods Animal Shelter in Iron River during a June 24 visit that highlighted how much the nonprofit depends on local support. The troop’s stop at 930 Selden Road came at a time when the shelter was still balancing day-to-day animal care, volunteer help and fundraising to keep its work moving.

Northwoods says its mission is to provide a safe refuge where basic needs are met and limited medical care is given to surrendered, stray, neglected and abused animals. The shelter began in August 2001 after concerned citizens learned of poor care at the old animal shelter, and it says it has served as a home and safe space for neglected and abused animals since Sept. 24, 2001.

The shelter later moved into its renovated building at 930 Selden Road in December 2008 after years of fundraising and planning. Its volunteer page says people under 16 may help only with an adult supervisor, and that small groups can assist with cleaning, dog socializing, cat socializing, event work and fundraiser support. That makes a Brownie troop visit a natural fit for the shelter’s needs, giving young scouts a supervised way to see how local service works while lending a hand to staff.

The visit also came against a busy stretch for Northwoods. In March 2026, the shelter held its Taters & Treats fundraiser at the Iron River Senior Center and said 100% of the proceeds went directly to animal care. In May 2026, it took in 12 Ridglan beagles from a Wisconsin breeding and research facility, a reminder of how quickly space, food and medical care can be stretched at a small shelter.

For Iron River families, the troop’s visit was not just a feel-good stop. It pointed to the practical work that keeps Northwoods running: donations, supervised volunteers, event help and steady community backing for the animals that rely on the shelter every day.