Wild Madeline Project Update: Sandhill Crane

Wild Madeline Project Update:  Sandhill Crane

This elegant sandhill crane, Grus canadensis, may seem like a strange sight for a forest habitat, but this crane is likely one of the cranes nesting in the boggy wetlands of the Big Bay lagoon. Perhaps it was out for a stroll to find some food for dinner. If you were on the island this past summer, you probably heard their ancient rattling call from the lagoon area. Click READ MORE to see film clip from July 12, 2022…

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Wild Madeline Project Update: Juvenile Great-Horned Owl

Wild Madeline Project Update: Juvenile Great-Horned Owl

Hoot! Hello all! Here we have a juvenile Great-horned Owl, Bubo virginianus. At six weeks old, Great-horned Owls will begin to practice flying, but they'll have to wait four to six more weeks to lose their down feathers. After six months, they should fully be on their own, searching for a new territory and mate. Click READ MORE to see film clip from July 29, 2022…

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MIWP Annual Membership Appeal: Become a Member/Donate

MIWP Annual Membership Appeal: Become a Member/Donate

Dear Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve Members,
"The world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful.” ee cummings
Poet E.E. Cummings often commented on the beauty of our natural world. "Mud­luscious" could have been describing one's delight in a summer hike on our North End Trails. Many of our trails provide an intimacy with nature that is hard to find anywhere else. Yes, sometimes they have puddles and are muddy, but they are luscious and wonderful at the same time!  Our trails provide an opportunity for an up close look at a wide variety of mosses, ferns, mushrooms, trees and fauna. With your help…

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Spongy Moth on Madeline Island 2022, Autumn Update

Spongy Moth on Madeline Island 2022, Autumn Update

Update to Kathy Kromroy’s spongy moth island survey article in the MIWP 2022 newsletter: I was completely taken aback at the widespread occurrence of spongy moth caterpillars and the extent of their defoliation on the Island this summer. I had been completely unaware of egg masses in other areas of the Island—areas that I had not viewed as high risk for introduction! There are things you can do to protect high value trees in a yard or small woodlot. Click the link below to read the article for more info… REMEMBER: Human movement of infected items is the main way spongy moth is introduced to new locations. Before leaving the island and before coming to the island, inspect and destroy all forms of spongy moth (egg mass, caterpillar, pupa, or moth) on any items you are carrying, including firewood and your vehicle. Read the full update article in Education & Advocacy.

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