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Where the River
Meets the Lake
| FOLSR Newsletter | Fall 2023 | |
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Hello Michael,
The Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve understands that partnerships can build stronger organizations and communities. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I'd like to express gratitude for the partners FOLSR worked with over the last several months, including the Lake Superior Reserve, the City of Superior, Wisconsin Sea Grant, AmeriCorps, Marshfield Clinic Health Systems, Hawk Ridge, Embark Support Employment, the Minnesota Land Trust, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Starry Skies North.
I'd also like to say thank you to FOLSR's board members for volunteering their time to support the vitality and effectiveness of the Lake Superior Reserve through fundraising, advocating on behalf of the Reserve and engaging community members in the Reserve’s work. FOLSR is grateful to the anonymous donor who's generosity has allowed FOLSR to work with Jessie Green, an AmeriCorps member helping FOLSR with communication, events and administration.
And, thanks to you for caring about the St. Louis River estuary. It takes partners, volunteers, and people like you to understand and protect such a special place. Thank for reading our autumn newsletter. Thank you for being a FOLSR member or becoming a member and your interest in the work we do.
With gratitude, your Friend,
Sharon
Sharon Moen, FOLSR Board Chair
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Everyone Can Bird - Fall Migration | |
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The final accessible birding event of the 2023 series, Everyone Can Bird, happened at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth, Minn., on October 14. There, FOLSR volunteers joined others to celebrate World Migratory Bird Day and learn the differences among falcons, accipiters, and buteos. Participants also identified some of the species winging their way south for winter. The event was supported by FOLSR and other area organizations.
Read more on FOLSR.org
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While peak raptor migration over the Reserve falls closer to the beginning of October, November is still a great time to spot Bald Eagles, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and Red-tailed Hawks.
Use this handy silhouette guide to recognize the differences between some of these, and check out Hawk Ridge's live raptor count here!
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The popular River Talks speakers series kicked off the 2023/24 season on October 11 with a riveting presentation by local historian and author Tony Dierckins. Dierckins spoke about lost industries along the St. Louis River. He explained how the area was a bustling hub of activity with ore and coal docks, grain terminals, flour and lumber mills, steel plants, shipyards and much more.
A more in-depth summary of the event can be found here on the Wisconsin Sea Grant blog!
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The series continues on November 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Lake Superior Estuarium (3 Marina Dr., Superior, Wis.). Dr. Euan Reavie, Senior Research Associate with the University of Minnesota Duluth's Natural Resources Research Institute will discuss the effects of harmful algae blooms on the St. Louis River.
Click here to learn more about more previous and upcoming events in the River Talks series.
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In mid-September ten people, some from as far away as Milwaukee, participated in the Learn to Fish, Fishing for Dinner workshop hosted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Wisconsin Sea Grant with support from the Reserve and FOLSR.
Attendees learned about sports fish in the St. Louis River, fishing gear, how to clean a lake whitefish and how fortunate Wisconsinites are to live in a state with a public trust doctrine. Guest presentations included local fisheries management by Paul Piszczek (Wisc. DNR), perspectives on contaminants by Ryan Lepak (U.S. EPA) and "down state" fishing insights by Jeff Schimpff.
Check out Eat Wisconsin Fish for more information on Wisconsin's commercially harvested or farmed fish.
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Have you seen Saturn?
If you attended the Starry Skies North event in September, you likely had an exceptional view of Saturn, the sixth planet from the sun. This gas giant is nine times wider than Earth. For comparison, if Earth were the size of a nickel, NASA suggests Saturn would be about as big as a volleyball.
This Starry Skies event was a first-ever for FOLSR but likely not the last. City of Superior Mayor Paine joined us under the canopy of stars and expressed a wish to keep the celestial bodies of our universe visible. Looking toward Duluth, Minn., the difference city lighting decisions make was obvious.
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Meet Lisa DeGuire!
Lisa is one of our newest board members here at FOLSR, and is passionate about her work towards clean water, healthy ecosystems and strong communities after having spent the past 13+ years working in the field of water resources. She currently works as the Water Resources Coordinator for the City of Superior and serves as the co-chair of the Regional Stormwater Protection Team, working to prevent stormwater pollution through coordinated educational programs and technical assistance.
Next time you see Lisa, say "Hi, friend!"
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Hi, I'm Jessie!
As a recent graduate from Virginia Tech who moved up here to pursue a conservation career, when Kate Murray left the role of FOLSR's Community Outreach Coordinator in September for a new adventure, that's where I came in!
My role at FOLSR is primarily in communications, volunteer activities and outreach events. However, I have a love of field work that can't be satiated and enjoy tagging along with the Reserve team whenever I can. I also love creating art, so you might spot some of my drawings here.
You may find me around the Estuarium, at events, or in your inbox! If you do, feel free to throw a "Hello, friend" my way as well!
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Comments or questions? We'd love to hear from you! | | | | |
