

As part of our 50th Anniversary celebration, we are collecting and sharing the stories of people connected to the islands, whether they are park guests, former residents or former park employees.
“Lakeshore Logbook,” is a collection of memories provided by former National Park Service employees.
Living and working in the park on a day to day basis, they’ve experienced a lot to be sure. We hope you enjoy their perspectives.
We’re archiving the Logbook entries here. Have fun paging through the logbook as we celebrate 50 years of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
- New series: Lakeshore LogbookThis is the first in our series called “Lakeshore Logbook,” a collection of memories provided by former National Park Service employees.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Larry Johnson“I will always look back at my time at Apostle Islands with great fondness, great memories and great friends. I would do it all again if I could.”
- Lakeshore Logbook – Zach RozmiarekThis former interpretive ranger says he desperately wanted to see a bear on the islands. What happened is a story he will never forget.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Kayci Cook CollinsKayci is the fourth generation of her family to work for the National Park Service. She served as Chief of Interpretation and Resource Education.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Jim DahlstromJim Dahlstrom’s logbook entry spans the seasons and the generations.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Vicki WebsterVicki’s work outside the Raspberry Island lighthouse decades ago is still growing strong today.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Paul ChalfantThis Logbook entry includes a harrowing night trying to prevent storm winds from destroying sailboats docked at Rocky Island.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Jeff RennickeHe’s dad to the “littlest light keeper,” contributed to the vibrant paddling opportunities the park now offers, and is on a mission to support the park in a new way.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Sheree PetersonAPIS was a fairly new park, and no one that I knew had even heard of it. But I loved Lake Superior, and headed north in my white Rambler station wagon.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Jason JohnsonOperating a park vessel in sea conditions greater than five feet and actually rescueing someone in these conditions is an amazing feeling.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Robin MaerckleinYou might call him a rebel with a cause. Robin tells us about his life as a naturalist and a “wild hair” he entertained during his final weeks in the park.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Jim NepstadA brush with fame on Outer Island, a hungry, reluctant mama bear and an Ojibwe ceremony are all part of this week’s Lakeshore Logbook entry.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Merrith BaughmanWorking in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore can be a life-changing experience. It was for Merrith Baughman in more ways than one.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Elise LennonBayfield High School students like Elise gain valuable work experience and life experience while working in the park.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Christy BakerChristy Baker’s Lakeshore Logbook entry includes a story about some surprising kayaking freeloaders.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Tom and Wendy BredowWendy and Tom Bredow provide this week’s daughter-father Lakeshore Logbook entry from a bear’s den on the islands.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Josh SweetIt doesn’t take long for the Apostle Islands to make a big impression, as you’ll discover in this week’s Lakeshore Logbook entry.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Jerry BantaFormer Superintendent Jerry Banta’s Logbook entry reflects more than a decade of accomplishments and memories.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Daniel BlankenshipDuring his off hours, Daniel led a group of kayakers who learned first-hand that the lake is the boss and her mood can change in minutes.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Dave CheskySometimes, one island becomes your favorite when you’re working in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Dave Chesky knows.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Ian WilliamsNavigating the narrows on Stockton Island was part of a day at the office for Ian Williams, as you’ll discover in this week’s Lakeshore Logbook entry.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Diane ChalfantDiane writes in her entry, “I didn’t accomplish anything alone….” Read about what she and the team accomplished together.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Jim FeldmanLike the lighthouse keepers before him, Jim Feldman learned that island living can be solitary living. And he learned to love it.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Stu WhippleIn his logbook entry, Stu Whipple writes about being a conduit between park visitors and the natural and cultural wonders of the parks, its history, meaning and promise to the past, present and future.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Terry DaultonTerry worked a number of jobs in the park, each providing amazing oportunities and experiences.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Jennie NepstadJennie writes about “cuteness overload,” and her experience banding tiny Piping Plover chicks.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Dave WilkinsBoats of several shapes, sizes and abilities are essential in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Dave writes about his role in upgrading the fleet.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Matt WelterMatt literally brought history to life as he was the first to take on the character of a Raspberry Island lighthouse keeper from a century ago.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Lane JohnsonClearing brush, battling invasive species and rescuing an American bald eagle. They’re all part of Lane’s entry in the 50th Anniversary Lakeshore Logbook.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Kellie WeidingerFrom working the phones to assessing storm damage on hiking trails, Kellie writes about the variety of life in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Jim StowellJim Stowell says knowing his programs connect with park visitors fills him with pride. So do the lasting relationships he built on Raspberry Island.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Heidi Van DunkHeidi Van Dunk started as a volunteer and wore many hats in the years that followed.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Warren BielenbergOne of the first park employees shares his memories of the early days of the National Lakeshore. Days filled with accomplishments and opportunities.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Susan Larsen and Sophie HowkFather-daughter day at work takes on special meaning for the family members who wrote this week’s Lakeshore Logbook entry.
- Lakeshore Logbook – Neil and Forrest HowkThe National Lakeshore is a family affair for Forrest Howk and his dad Neil. Read their Lakeshore Logbook entry to learn how they blazed some trails and made lots of memories.
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