During this challenging time of change for our nation and for our national parks, Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore wants to shine a bright light – a lighthouse beacon if you will – on this very special place and on the people dedicated to protecting the national lakeshore for future generations. That’s the goal of our series entitled “Love our Lakeshore.”
In this report Friends of the Apostle Islands board member and former NPS ranger Neil Howk tells us what it’s like to be a volunteer for the National Park Service, stationed on Sand Island or Waabaabikaa-minis. Neil gives us a glimpse into the life of another dedicated volunteer with special ties to Sand Island.
I’ve got some big shoes to fill.
As I’ve been reading the log book kept by past volunteers, I noticed that LaDonna Palm was serving in this role at this time last summer. I first met LaDonna 25 years ago when she and her husband Richard (Dick) Palm were volunteering here. I was with the film crew working on the new introductory movie for the park.
Dick told me that when he was a child he lived with his family on Sand Island for a year and a half in 1932-33. His father had lost his job selling insurance during the Depression, so the family sold everything and moved to Sand Island where they had relatives and could live less expensively until the economy turned around. The experience left a huge impression on him. His brother Howard had a cabin on the island that he used until he passed away in 1995.
LaDonna Palm in the Sand Island volunteer cabin
Goup campsite B where the Palm cabin stood – Neil Howk photo
Goup campsite B where the Palm cabin stood – Neil Howk photo
LaDonna wrote, “August 3, 2021 – my first time volunteering here in 21 years. A few changes- the flush toilet was a welcome surprise! But mostly the island hasn’t changed.” Her subsequent entries revealed her endless love for the Lakeshore.
August 5, 2022 – It’s a day of special memories for me. Fifty years ago today I was married and we came out here for our honeymoon.
August 8, 2023 – A crazy day here in East Bay! Twelve Palms and Palm descendents arrived-with more to come later. Camping in site B, where our house used to be. They are already talking about a repeat visit next year.
August 13, 2023 – I had a lot of time to think and reminisce. Is this my last year here? My knees are complaining more and more as I climb those lighthouse steps, but I’m not willing to quit yet. This year with my family coming out, has been extra special and I hate to leave. I hope I have one more year in me.
August 10, 2024 – Every year I leave, saying this might be my last year. But this year I think it really will be. The trek to the lighthouse is no fun anymore, and I don’t feel able to do everything I should be doing. But I have over 50 years of memories. The end!
LaDonna Palm’s signature in the volunteer logbook
Neil says, “I am awed to be following in LaDonna’s footsteps, and feel a little sheepish complaining about my sore knees at the end of the day at 71 when LaDonna was doing this at 84! My volunteer hat is off to her.”
Sand Island sunrise through a bedroom window in the lighthouse – Neil Howk photo
Find information on the National Park Service volunteer program on the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore website. We also invite you to consider volunteering for Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Sign up to be on our volunteer list here. We want to thank Neil for sharing his experiences as a National Park Service volunteer on Sand Island. He’s still out there so watch for more reports from Sand Island in the days to come.
During this challenging time of change for our nation and for our national parks, Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore wants to shine a bright light – a lighthouse beacon if you will – on this very special place and on the people dedicated to protecting...
During this challenging time of change for our nation and for our national parks, Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore wants to shine a bright light – a lighthouse beacon if you will – on this very special place and on the people dedicated to protecting...
During this challenging time of change for our nation and for our national parks, Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore wants to shine a bright light – a lighthouse beacon if you will – on this very special place and on the people dedicated to protecting...
During this challenging time of change for our nation and for our national parks, Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore wants to shine a bright light – a lighthouse beacon if you will – on this very special place and on the people dedicated to protecting...
To learn more about your next adventure on Sand Island, visit the Discover the Park section of our website. You can also see current alerts, advisories and additional information about Sand Island campsites on the National Park Service website. You can also search our archives for stories about Sand Island’s rich history and more.
On the Edge of Gichigami – Voices of the Apostle Islands – National Park Service video
Map of Sand Island campsites and trails – NPS map – click to enlarge
Visitors to Sand Island often arrive at the public dock in East Bay. They may camp at one of the 6 individual campsites or 3 group campsites. Most of the sites are near the dock. Some sites have wooden accessible platforms.
Boats often anchor at East Bay, Justice Bay, and Lighthouse Bay, depending on wind conditions. Paddlers sometimes come ashore by beaching their kayaks on a rock ledge beneath the lighthouse at the northern end of the island.
Neil Howk began working as a park ranger/interpreter for the National Park Service in 1978. He worked at a number of different parks over the years and served as the assistant chief of interpretation at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore from 1993-2016. He now serves as a board member of Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Share this article…
Research has long shown that time spent in nature is good for us, body and soul. The American Heart Association, among...
Bands of elk are not the only ones to gather in Estes Park, Colorado this autumn. The gateway city to Rocky Mountains...
We saw it in the first hints of crimson and gold in the mainland treeline. We felt it when the water temperature...
