Friends Earth Day event draws dozens of volunteers, lakeshore lovers to Bayfield

Friends Executive Director Jeff Rennicke gives his Earth Day presentation in front of a full-house - Jon Okerstrom photo

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Written by Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

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Accessibility | Love Our Lakeshore | News | Our Work | Starry Skies | Wave Watch

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April 25, 2026

What’s your memory of your first Earth Day, whether you were a college student or you were merely a figment of your future parents’ imagination on April 22, 1970? Friends Executive Director Jeff Rennicke asked the audience step back in time as he recounted the history of Earth Day and it’s everlasting connection to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

That connection is Wisconsin Governor and Senator Gaylord Nelson, a man inspired by the environmentally disastrous Santa Barbara oil spill of 1969 to change the world through environmental education and action. The next year, Earth Day was born. Twenty million people focused on environmental education and action on that day. Today’s Earth Day organizers say one billion people worldwide mobilized at more than 10,000 events and took action under the theme “Our power, Our planet.”

Senator Gaylord Nelson

Nelson was also the primary champion for creating the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore; President Nixon signd the legislation on September 26, 1970. This was not the first effort to turn the Apostle Islands into a park, but this time, after years of hard work led by Nelson, the National Lakeshore was born.

In 1930, local boosters sought to create a national park in the Apostle Islands to grow the regional economy. The National Park Service (NPS) sent Inspector Harlan Kelsey to evaluate the site. Kelsey’s report declared the area, heavily impacted by logging and fire, did not meet national park standards. He concluded, “What must have been once a far more striking and characteristic landscape of dark coniferous original forest growth has been obliterated by the axe followed by fire. The ecological conditions have been so violently disturbed that probably never could they be more than remotely reproduced. … The hand of man has mercilessly destroyed [the islands’] virgin beauty, and, therefore, a largely controlling element as outstanding national park material even if other reasons made them eligible.” How shortsighted that conclusion was.

A sunset through grasses on Raspberry Island – Neil Howk photo

Rennicke said, “the Apostle Islands have come back from this place that was obliterated by the fire and the ax to the beautiful place that so many of us have forever memories from.

In this time of political challenge in the parks, we have to take the long view and figure out ways to think about our power to create the forever memories, to keep these places that provide the opportunity for us to get out and see nature, see the islands. And remember that our power does help protect our planet. So what we would like to do on this Earth Day is to find ways that we can all roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

Friends is working with the National Park Service to create new opportunities to volunteer and make a difference in the Lakeshore we love. Activities range from maintaining historic gardens on the mainland and on Raspberry and Michigan islands, to light trail work and beach cleanups in and around the park. In addition, we’re looking for volunteers to spread the word about our Wave Watch boater safety program, Starry Skies Initiative, and more. You can add your name to our list of people interested in volunteering by filling out this form on our website. Jill Rennicke is serving as our Volunteer Coordinator, and will be in touch.

Friends supporters sign up for volunteer opportunities – Jon Okerstrom photo

Volunteer Coordinator Jill Rennicke talks with Friend supporters after the presentation – Jon Okerstrom photo

Friends supporters pick up beach cleanup bags and Love Our Lakeshore signs – Jon Okerstrom photo

Beach clean up bags and instructions – Jon Okerstrom photo

Also, watch for updates on this year’s planned construction of the accessible path at Meyers Beach. Construction is scheduled for the summer. Jill Rennicke said plans are in the works for a groundbreaking event in early June and for a ribbon-cutting in the fall. Jeff Rennicke thanked the crowd for helping to make this important project happen. You can track progress on the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore website.

Meyers Beach accessible path graphic with diagram and photos of paddlers – NPS graphic

Friends would like to thank everyone who attended this year’s Earth Day event at the Bayfield Carnegie Library, signed up to volunteer and picked up Love Our Lakeshore signs and beach cleanup bags. We hope this event inspires you to take the long view and to join us in rolling up our sleeves this summer.

Written by Jon Okerstrom, a Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore board member and digital and social media volunteer with a background in digital and television journalism, photography and graphic design.