Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve

2009 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Each summer the Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve sponsors a series of hikes and lectures highlighting the human and natural history of Lake Superior and the Apostle Islands area. Lectures are held at the Madeline Island Historical Museum, and most events are free and open to the public. For a list of previous programs see Newsletters.

Events for the 2009 summer season are posted below.

Sunset over Hermit Island, photo by Tom Kromroy

Summer 2009 Program Schedule
All events are free (except the Spring Reception) and open to the public.

Saturday, May 23rd, 9:00–11:00 a.m.
Spring Bird Migration on Madeline
Bring your binoculars and join us for our 9th Annual Spring Bird Hike. Peter Hudleston and Victoria Erhart will again lead as through the pre-leafing trees. Migrating warblers appear in large numbers at this time of year, along with hermit thrushes, resident chickadees, woodpeckers, and many more.
Location: Meet at Big Bay Town Park

Sunday, May 24th, 7:00 p.m.
MIWP’s 22nd Annual Spring Meeting and Evening Reception
Eyewitness to Global Warming
Speaker: Will Steger, Arctic Explorer

The Wilderness Preserve will be hosting its 22nd Annual Spring Meeting this coming Memorial Day weekend, Sunday May 24th, at The Clubhouse on Madeline Island. In a major departure with tradition, the event will be an evening reception, rather than a luncheon as in past years. The change comes in recognition of the fact that most of us would rather spend a beautiful spring day (perhaps our first visit since last fall) outside enjoying the Island, and then capping that with a social event in the evening. The change will also make it easier to see the photographic presentation by our guest speaker, as we have found the Clubhouse windows nearly impossible to darken at mid-day. The evening meal will be an informal buffet of elegant and hearty hors d’oeuvres, complimentary wine service, and coffee /tea and assorted deserts (come with an appetite). Many thanks to the Madeline Island Music Camp for providing The Clubhouse for this event. This year's evening fare will be provided by the Ashland Baking Company. A social gathering and food service begins at 7:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 8:00 pm.
Location: The Clubhouse on Madeline Island

Monday, May 25, at 1:00 pm
The Front Lines of Global Warming
Speaker: Will Steger, Arctic Explorer
Join Will Steger for a personal perspective on his early years in polar exploration and concern for the arctic environment. This community program is co-sponsored by the Madeline Island school and is open to families and all ages.
Location: At the Island Schoolhouse Gymnasium

Saturday, June 20, at 9:00 am – Noon
Get into The Thick of It!—an Outdoor Work Session and Open House
With Biologist Crew Leader, Isaiah Messerly, NPS, Great Lakes Exotic Plant Management Team
Learn how to identify and participate in eradicating local Buckthorn. Best practices and all the chemicals needed will be provided. Wear work clothes, bring gloves and boots. Celebrate a good team effort at the end with Cider and Cookies!
Location: Meet at the New and Improved Capser Trail, across from the Fire Station

Thursday, July 16, at 7:00 pm
Alternative Energy on Madeline Island – Progress Report #2
With Burke Henry, Alan Fischlowitz, and Larry Bean, AEC
The members of the Island’s Alternative Energy Committee will present the status of this next phase of the alternative energy study. The wind velocity measurement program now being conducted this year at Big Bay State Park will be discussed. The committee will answer these questions:
   - Can we meet 100% of the Island’s electrical need with our available wind energy?
   - How many turbines would be needed?
   - How big would they be?
   - How much would they cost?
   - Where would they be located?
   - Is this real or fantasy?
   - Is there solar or geothermal energy in your future???
Come early to make sure you get a seat!
Location: At the Madeline Island Historical Museum, co-sponsor

Saturday, July 18, at 9:00 – 11:00 am
Wetland & Beach Floral Ecology
Nature Hike/Saunter led by Pastor Marina Lachecki of St. John’s UCC.
Join Pastor Marina on another wildly popular hike in between her sabbatical periods. This leisurely hike begins in sacred preparation to the Madeline Island Anishinaabeg Homecoming ceremony, drumming and dance September 25-26, 2009. Pastor Marina will share wisdom and learnings from Native American and Indigenous Peoples in relation to the plants found in this area of the Island.
Location: Meet at Ojibwa Memorial Park (near the marina and Indian cemetery)

Thursday, July 30, at 7:00 pm
The Bald Eagle as a Sentinel Species for Assessing the Health of the Great Lakes
With Bill Route, Ecologist and Program Coordinator, National Park Service’s Great Lakes Inventory and Monitoring Network
Bill, a speaker you won’t want to miss, will describe the bald eagle’s comeback following population declines in the 1950s and 1960s. The banning of DDT and other contaminants is widely considered the primary reason for this recovery. Find out how biologists are tracking bald eagle numbers and using bald eagle nestlings to monitor environmental contaminants in the Great Lakes.
Location: At the Madeline Island Historical Museum, co-sponsor

Thursday, August 6, at 7:00 pm
What’s Next for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore?
With Bob Krumenaker, Superintendent, Apostle Islands National Lakeshore and Gaylord Nelson Wilderness, National Park Service
Bob, back for a second visit, will bring us up-to-date on what’s happening currently and in the future for our Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. A variety of topics will be addressed and peak our interests: the management plan, the lighthouse restoration project and more. Hear it from the Superintendent!T
Location: At the Madeline Island Historical Museum, co-sponsor

4th of July Parade

Each summer MIWP members, family and friends participate in the Madeline Island 4th of July Parade. Our past entries include such award-winners as Wilderness Preservers and Trees that Made History. Each year’s general theme and costumes are announced in our schedule of events.

All friends of MIWP are invited and welcome to join in the fun!

Trees That Made History – 2005 MIWP Parade Entry

The MIWP is a local land trust dedicated to the protection of
natural areas on Madeline Island for the enjoyment of all.

Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve
P.O. Box 28 - La Pointe, WI 54850
miwp@miwp.org