Summertime Book Gathering: The Singing Wilderness and Reflections from the North Country by Sigurd Olson

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Summertime Book Gathering: The Singing Wilderness and Reflections from the North Country by Sigurd Olson

Attendees from MIWP and the Madeline Island Book Club enjoyed a very informative and interesting presentation by Alan Brew, Director, Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute, Professor of English, Northland College, about Sigurd Olson, his life, his writing career, and the selected books. Group discussion and questions followed Alan’s talk. The event was sponsored by both organizations. Click Read More to view pictures of the event.

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Early Summer Foraging for Mushrooms. A Rainy But Informative Hike!

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Early Summer Foraging for Mushrooms. A Rainy But Informative Hike!

Our first Forest Classroom activity of the season was well-attended! We hiked with Samantha Dobson on (and off) the Capser Trail in search of Oyster mushrooms. Because mushrooms are 85-90% water, rain is great for mushroom hunting, although right after the rain when the sun comes back out is the best time. You always learn something new when you hunt mushrooms with Samantha! The next mushroom walk is September 10th. Mark your calendars now!

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Relocating the Capser Trail Beavers to Beaver Hollow on Compton Road north of Bayfield

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Relocating the Capser Trail Beavers to Beaver Hollow on Compton Road north of Bayfield

Madeline Island Trails and Friends of the North Creek Wetlands have been working on a joint project the last few days to relocate the 2 adult and 2 young beavers from near the Capser Trail Bridge to a new home at Beaver Hollow, where it is hoped they will repopulate an empty lodge. The two yearling beavers were trapped and transferred first. Today one of the adults was released into Beaver Hollow. Hopefully the remaining adult beaver will be trapped and transferred soon. Click the image or title to view the video explanation, and the video of the adult beaver discovering a new home…

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A Continuing Saga: The Beavers and the Capser Trail Bridge

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A Continuing Saga: The Beavers and the Capser Trail Bridge

This spring islander John Hogan was walking the Capser Trail and found our trail beaver(s?) had been cutting down more trees, and two trees had fallen onto the bridge. John shared two pictures of the damage to the bridge.

A few days later Ken Myhre, President of Madeline Island Trails, who last fall had installed special drainage pipes in the dam built by the beaver(s?), again came to the rescue and cleared some of the backup to allow water to drain. The logs were removed and the bridge repaired. MIWP board member (and trails committee chair) Marnie Myhre shared pictures of Ken at work and the resulting tranquil scene. Many thanks to John, Marnie, Ken and Madeline Island Trails!

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MIWP Annual Bird Hike

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MIWP Annual Bird Hike

A few hardy souls turned out for our annual bird hike on a rainy Memorial Weekend Saturday morning. We were hoping for one of those misty mornings when you get to see birds in ways you might not see them otherwise, but mist turned to rain and we got to see one noisy robin before we decided to abandon the hike… Looking forward to the two MIWP summer events at the museum that feature birds!

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The Wild Madeline Project, Northland College

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The Wild Madeline Project, Northland College

By Erik R Olson, Associate Professor of Natural Resources, Northland College, 2022
Just like some of the best movies, research projects often have sequels — especially when attempting to understand how things change over time. Unlike most movie sequels, those to scientific studies often provide new and valuable information … as opposed to a rehash of a well-worn story line. Thanks to a gracious donation from the Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve, the Wild Madeline Project of Northland College will be revived in 2022. The goal of the Project is to assess the wildlife community of Madeline and to examine the long-term dynamics of wildlife populations within the larger Apostle Island archipelago.

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MADELINE ISLAND WILDERNESS PRESERVE 2021 REPORT TO MEMBERS

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MADELINE ISLAND WILDERNESS PRESERVE 2021 REPORT TO MEMBERS

Dear Members and Friends of MIWP,

Please click the report image to view the 2020-2021 report to our members. Inside you will get a sampling of what our organization has been up to this last year.

Please visit us at our website, www.MIWP.org, to catch up on the latest news.

Thanks for all of your support!

Sincerely, Steve Mueller President, Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve

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