Introducing the River Walks
Join us and connect with the natural world in new ways this summer at the River Walks, where we learn about local land and water issues while taking a stroll to different places in the St. Louis River watershed.
No registration is required and all events are FREE; come dressed for the weather and prepared to move around outdoors. Questions? Please contact Karina Heim and Kirsten Rhude.
Pickle Paddle
Wednesday June 26, 2024
4:30-7:00 p.m.
The first River Walk of the year is actually a paddle! Enjoy a nice evening on the water, paddle craft and light snacks provided. We’ll paddle rain or shine. We will post a notification day-of for a severe weather cancellation.
As a large habitat improvement project wraps up at the Pickle Pond site, we’re providing a chance for the community to explore Pickle Pond from the water and enjoy this newly-restored area. Launching from the public dock on the northwest end of Barkers Island on stand-up paddleboards provided by North Shore SUP, we’ll paddle across and enter Pickle Pond through one of the new openings made during the restoration work last summer. This program will offer a short formal presentation and a lot of open exploration time for you to poke around at your own pace and explore this now-improved community water access site!
Pickle Paddle Details – map, meetup instructions, and timing
Program Details
4:30pm Gather and get comfortable paddling.
At 4:30, meet on the lawn at North Shore SUP. After you sign in and sign a waiver, you can choose from one of the available paddle craft (SUPs or canoes) or get your own boat in the water. If it’s your first time, get some introductory instruction from North Shore SUP as you get comfortable paddling in the estuary. We will launch from the dock for Pickle Pond at 5:00pm.
5:15-5:30pm Presentation at the Pickle Pond opening.
After a short 200-meter paddle from Barkers Island to Pickle Pond, we’ll gather along the shore in our boats at the first opening and hear from a Wisconsin DNR representative about the completed restoration work that makes Pickle Pond a more accessible recreation site and more vibrant habitat.
5:30pm-7:00pm Open Paddle Exploration
Take this time to paddle around and explore the Pickle Pond area on your own. There will be program staff on hand to help and answer questions. All borrowed paddle craft should be returned to shore by 7:00pm.
Previous paddle experience is not required. A limited number of stand up paddle boards will be available to participants by North Shore SUP, first-come first-serve basis. The Lake Superior Reserve will also have a couple of canoes available as well. You are welcome to bring your own non-motorized paddle craft for this event. All participants will need to fill out this waiver for the event. Save time by filling out yours ahead of time.
If you would like to come but prefer to visit this site on foot, you are more than welcome to park and walk out to the site, listen in for the presentation and explore the area from shore.
A Walking Tour of Our Connections with Water: Waterway Benefits Survey Results
Sunday July 21, 2024
(Lake Superior Day) Barkers Island Festival Park Bandshell.
9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Join us for a 1.5-hour walking tour of the waterfront at Barker’s Island. On tour, you will learn about the various ways our connections with water support our well-being, through brief immersive experiences including exploring the history of the island, observing wildlife or birds, a sensory awareness exercise, exploring estuary-inspired art and poetry, and sampling foods from the estuary. Along the way, you will hear about how our various identities influence how we connect with the water, based on results of the recent Waterway Benefits Survey. There will be additional time for questions at the end. The tour will be <1 mile and will be wheelchair accessible.
Restore and Explore: A Walking Tour of current work on Wisconsin Point
Thursday October 3, 2024
Wisconsin Point Lot 1
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.
Come out for a guided walk at Wisconsin Point Lot 1, and see how some projects in 2024 are helping maintain the resilience and habitat quality of this place for people, birds, and other beings. Tour the project sites on both the lake side and the Allouez Bay side, and learn from project coordinators.Please park and meet at Wisconsin Point Lot 1, where this walk will begin and end. Water and light refreshments will be available, and there are bathrooms located at Lot 1. We will be walking, stopping and standing over the course of the walk. Portions of the walk may be over uneven terrain, such as rustic trails and/or beach sand. A track chair — an all-terrain, electric-powered chair that can be used on hiking trails — will be available, courtesy of indiGO.
Please come prepared with comfortable clothing and footwear, and be prepared to be outside in the elements for the duration of the walk. There is poison ivy just off the trails that we will be walking, so we recommend wearing long pants and close-toed shoes.
