Friends volunteers refresh Gaylord Nelson Memorial Garden for spring

Volunteer removes fall leaves from Gaylord Nelson Garden - Jeff Rennicke photo

May 21, 2025

Another sure sign of the spring: the Friends of the Apostle Islands volunteer gardeners hard at work on the Gaylord Nelson gardens at the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

The garden, established in 2006, serves as a living legacy to Wisconsin Senator and Governor Gaylord Nelson who helped inspire Earth Day in 1970 and in the same year led the effort to establish the Apostle Islands as a National Lakeshore.

Friends volunteers spent several hours weeding and tending to the wildflowers. When you visit the garden outside of Lakeshore headquarters at 415 Washington Avenue in Bayfield,  you will see small signs identifying the desired plants. We’re looking forward to seeing the garden grow,  as we get ready for Bayfield in Bloom, May 30th through June 7th. The 23rd annual Bayfield in Bloom events will start with a live Wisconsin Public Radio show broadcast of Larry Meiller’s Garden Talk on Friday, May 30 in the Bayfield Pavillion.

We want to thank our volunteers for their efforts. You too can roll up your sleeves and pitch in to help the islands — planting beach grass, tending historic lighthouse gardens, clearing trails, assisting with events, and more. Sometimes the greatest gift is the gift of time. Sign up here to join our volunteer list.

You may also like…