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Learn more about the structure and purpose of Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Park visitors praise Stockton Island amphitheater and ongoing accessibility initiatives

Park visitors praise Stockton Island amphitheater and ongoing accessibility initiatives

Timing is everything. On August 13th, the National Park Service and Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore conducted a grand opening of the accessible amphitheater at Presque Isle on the Lakeshore’s Stockton Island.  Pandemic protocols required the ceremony to be small and unannounced to the public but some park visitors who just happened to be on the island at the time took in the program and they’ve provided some heartwarming feedback.The new $55,000 amphitheater, with its gently sloping ramps, wide benches, and accessible entrance, is now available to visitors with mobility...

Kids paint their passion for the Apostle Islands as stewardship flags fly high at Bayfield Art Fair

Kids paint their passion for the Apostle Islands as stewardship flags fly high at Bayfield Art Fair

All the flags were flying at the Bayfield Art Fair this weekend, thanks to some very creative kids of all ages. Artists as young as a-year-and-a-half up to adults painted more than 100 flags showing their love for the Apostle Islands. The Stewards of Tomorrow Kid’s Art Booth was sponsored by the Northland College Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute’s Youth Outreach Programs with support from Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. The Stewards of Tomorrow project encourages young people to recognize the importance of nature in their lives, and in particular what the National...

The ribbon is cut: Stockton Island’s accessible amphitheater is now officially open to all

The ribbon is cut: Stockton Island’s accessible amphitheater is now officially open to all

With a snip of an over-sized red scissors and a flourish of breeze off of Lake Superior, Friends Board Chair Erica Peterson and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Superintendent Lynne Dominy cut a red ribbon on Friday, August 13, 2021 signifying the grand opening of the accessible amphitheater at Presque Isle on the Lakeshore’s Stockton Island.  The $55,000 project represents a big step in one of the core commitments of Friends of the Apostle Islands. “We are excited to see this finally happen,” said Peterson. “The board made accessibility for all a primary pillar of our organization. We...

Friends volunteers lend their green thumbs, time and talent on Michigan Island

Friends volunteers lend their green thumbs, time and talent on Michigan Island

Gardening is an important part of the history of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Early lighthouse keepers planted fruit trees, vegetables and grains to provide nourishment for the body; they also planted flower gardens to nourish the soul. On Michigan Island, Elizabeth Lane raised three children where her husband, Ed, was keeper from 1902 until he retired in 1938. She also cultivated some amazing gardens. Of Elizabeth, Coast Guard Chief Walter Parker said,“How she used to love to get up to that island and get at that garden of hers. That whole station was one mass of...

Keep the wind in our sails!

Keep the wind in our sails!

Things are off to a great start in 2021. A successful, inspiring Resource Stewardship Symposium with over 650 participants, the accessible amphitheater going up on Stockton Island, interviews on Wisconsin Public Radio, an Earth Day collaboration with Big Top Chautauqua, an energized and growing membership, and the hiring of our first-ever Executive Directors — the momentum is growing here at Friends of the Apostle Islands. Now, we are asking you to help keep that wind in our sails. You may have received this appeal in the mail and already offered your support. If so, thank you. If not,...

Friends teams up with Bigtop Chautauqua to celebrate Earth Day and the Islands

Friends teams up with Bigtop Chautauqua to celebrate Earth Day and the Islands

LIGHTS, CAMERA, CELEBRATE! Big ideas can change the world. In 1970, Gaylord Nelson saw two of his big ideas do just that. On April 22, 1970 Nelson’s dream of a world-wide celebration of the earth blossomed into the first Earth Day, an event that drew over 20 million people in its first year and has grown into a cultural phenomenon that now engages close to a billion people annually in 192 countries across the globe. Then, on September 26, 1970, another of Gaylord Nelson’s ideas became a reality with the creation of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. These Islands - Bob Jauch photo...

Through the eyes of 4th graders

Through the eyes of 4th graders

Through the Eyes of Fourth Graders is a book written and illustrated by students about their experiences in the natural environments of the area. This presentation shares that journey, the experiences, lessons and most importantly, the thoughts expressed by young people through words and images. The objectives of environmental education programs are to develop participant awareness, sensitivity and the understanding of their affective relationship to the natural environment, usually through conceptual knowledge and personal experience. Recent, evidence-based studies suggest that experiences...

Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore names first Executive Director, positions itself for growth

Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore names first Executive Director, positions itself for growth

BAYFIELD, Wis. — Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (FAINL) has selected educator, outdoor adventure travel writer and photographer Jeff Rennicke as its first Executive Director and his wife Jill Rennicke as Co-Director. The Rennickes started in their new roles on February 1.  “Jeff and Jill have been brought on board to steer the organization into its next phase of growth, said Erica Peterson, Chair of the Friends Board of Directors. “We’ve been an all-volunteer organization since 2002. The board is confident that this team can help us to grow our membership and our ability...

Little Sand Bay kayak launch site offers increased accessibility

Little Sand Bay kayak launch site offers increased accessibility

Paddling the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is an amazing opportunity for kayakers, including those who face mobility challenges. The National Park Service has now installed an accessibility mat at the Hokenson Fishery Kayak Launch at Little Sand Bay on the mainland. The mat makes it easier for people who might need wheelchairs or other mobility aids to access the sandy launch site, which is to the west of the harbor. The view from the kayak launching area toward the harbor breakwater. Erica Peterson photo. The other official launch site is at Meyers Beach, where paddlers currently need...