Projects

In an effort to fulfill our mission "to protect and preserve" the natural areas on Madeline Island, the Madeline Island Wilderness Preserve undertakes projects either on our own or, if possible, in concert with other organizations and individuals who have a desire to maintain the Island's natural beauty.

2015

Our invasive species campaign

(buckthorn, barberry, non-native honeysuckle)

is the MIWP's biggest multi-year project ever.

Here's a quick timeline:

2007

Buckthorn Task Force established.

2008

Fourth of July parade theme: Buckthorn Buckaroos!
Organized volunteer work days.
Washburn boy scout troop helps out.

2009-2010

Organized volunteer work days.

2011

Realizing that there is more work than can be done with volunteers only, MIWP and Town of La Pointe jointly host an AmeriCorps group to cut buckthorn. MIWP donates $20,000 in housing and materials. Unfortunately the AmeriCorps group is pulled early to deal with crises elsewhere.

2013

**ETHAN ROSSING – INVASIVE SPECIES INTERN (AND TURTLE WRANGLER)**

MIWP and Town of La Pointe jointly hire two invasive species interns (Ethan Rossing for 5 months, Stephen Thielking for two months). MIWP donates $10,000 outright, and $15,000 from a Wisconsin DNR grant, as well as housing for the interns and intern management.
Concentration on mapping of invasive species; cutting buckthorn and barberry; landowner involvement and education; and a comprehensive five year plan.

2014

BLAKE ROMENESKO AND HAYLEY WEYERS — **BLAKE ROMENESKO AND HAYLEY WEYERS**

MIWP and Town of La Pointe jointly hire two invasive species interns (Hayley Weyers and Blake Romenesko, each for three months). MIWP donates $10,000 outright and $13,000 from a Wisconsin DNR grant. MIWP also provides housing and intern oversight.
Interns do lots of cutting and working with landowners.

2015

MIWP is actively seeking a renewed DNR grant as well as grants from other sources. MIWP is working with Northland College which has been a wonderful source of excellent student interns.
Fourth of July parade theme: Madeline's Invasive Species!