DRUMROLL PLEASE! It has been a big year in the Apostle Islands — from fun and fanfare to tragedy averted. During this last week of the year,, Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is counting down its TOP TEN Island stories of 2021. In sharing these stories, we thank you, our readers and supporters, for your support and we wish you an adventure-filled 2022 in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
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HERE WE GO: Weather stories always resonate with Island Lovers, so the #10 most popular story of the year goes to the tall birch trees dancing in the big gale.
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At #9 on our countdown of the TOP TEN Island stories of 2021 is the ribbon-cutting on the all-accessible Stockton Island Amphitheater. It’s part of the accessibility initiative of Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, proving once again that we believe that national parks belong to people of all abilities. Enjoy the story!
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At #8 in the TOP TEN most viewed Island stories of 2021: Rangers make our parks better, safer, and more fun. In 2021, the 50th anniversary year of the Apostle Islands, former ranger Neil Howk conducted a series of interviews with Apostle Islands rangers. Here’s to the women and men of the National Park Service and the stories they shared in the Lakeshore Logbook, at #8 on the Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore countdown.
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Surf’s up! Coverage of new tools you can use to safely explore and enjoy the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore did really well in our Top Ten Stories of 2021. At #7, read about a new buoy system that measures wind and waves, giving paddlers and boaters information they need to know.
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At #6, a cornucopia of island knowledge. The 50th Anniversary Resource Stewardship Symposium brought together dozens of experts for two days of interactive video presentations — covering everything from songbirds and shipwrecks to the roles of fire and fisheries. You can watch two days of presentations right here.
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“51 is the new 50” or so went the motto for our COVID-extended 50th anniversary celebration for the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Late or not, it was a resounding success from cupcakes to candlelight to a proclamation from Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers and it comes in at #5 on the TOP TEN countdown of most-viewed stories.
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The beat goes on. We are up to #4 on the Friends of the Apostle Islands TOP TEN countdown of the most read stories of 2021: the naming of the organization’s first-ever Executive Directors. Jeff and Jill Rennicke (our dynamic duo) are honored to lead the way into the future and we’ve got big plans for 2022. Join us and help plot the course for the islands we all love.
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And now …. #3 on the TOP TEN countdown: the night the sky danced. Enjoy the story of the northern lights below (our 3rd most popular story of the year) and then join us to help preserve the dark skies over our park so that we can all experience the magic of the aurora borealis.
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#2 on the TOP TEN countdown of most-viewed stories on the Friends of the Apostle Islands website for 2021 proves the old adage that it’s not just the destination, its the journey. Getting there can be a part of the adventure too and exploring the Lake Superior Scenic Byway is a great way to get started.
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And Now: Friends, neighbors, land lubbers and Lake Sailors, the #1 most-viewed story of 2021 on the Friends of the Apostle Islands TOP TEN countdown: weather forecasts tailored specifically for the paddlers, sailors, and boaters among us when we’re exploring the park we love.
As we look ahead to 2022, we’re focused on providing stories and information that can help you to make the most of your next visit to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and that advances our mission to promote an appreciation for, and preservation of, the natural environment and cultural heritage of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. If you have a story idea or comments, we’re always listening. We’re also forever grateful for your continuing support. Please join us.
