Lake Superior Estuarium OPEN
2024-08-31 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-09-04 10:00 - 17:00, 2024-09-06 10:00 - 17:00 (America/Chicago) | WI
Summer open hours!

The Lake Superior Estuarium is a gateway to the headwaters of the Great Lakes. Beautiful interactive displays tell stories of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the communities on their shores. The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient you to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help you get out and explore.

What’s an Estuarium?

A gathering place for learning and play! The term is a combination of words “estuary” and “museum.” Join us in the exhibit hall to learn more about how fresh water, ecology, and culture coexist and thrive in the Lake Superior watershed.

Full summer schedule

Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays 10:00a.m. – 5:00p.m.

Special “first Saturday” activities at the Estuarium hosted by the Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve.

July 6 – check back here or the Friends group event page for activities and times

August 3 – check back here or the Friends group event page for activities and times

September 7 – check back here or the Friends group event page for activities and times

Lake Superior Estuarium OPEN: First Saturday Activities
2024-09-07 10:00 - 17:00 | WI

What’s in a Story?
2024-09-18 09:00 - 11:00 | WI
Exploring Narrative to Capture and Explain Impact

Capacity:

50

Objectives:

Learn about narrative development as an approach to capture and explain impact

Hear example impact narratives from the Great Lakes region

Explore developing your own impact narrative

Reflect on the potential uses of narratives for understanding and communicating about impact

Description

What would you say if someone asked you, “What’s the impact of your work?” Would you have a quick and satisfying answer? Or would you struggle with where to begin or how to frame the impact of your work, especially when you know there were other contributing factors? Now think about what you would say if someone asked you, “Can you think of a moment when you realized the impacts of your work? Describe it. What made that moment possible and what came after?” Both sets of questions have a similar focus, but the latter invites a different approach to reflecting and sharing about impact. It supports sharing with both context and explanation which provides a much richer understanding. It also reduces pressure to name only what you feel you alone can claim, an instinct many of us have when, in fact, change and impact come about in complex ways.

The NERRS Science Collaborative has been exploring narrative and story development to support the NERRS and their partners in capturing and explaining the expansive impacts of their work. In this session, we will share about this exploration and what we have been learning. This will include sharing example impact narratives from the Great Lakes region and how we worked with reserve staff to develop them. Participants will have the opportunity to work in small groups to begin developing their own narratives and then we will discuss their potential uses for communicating about impact.

To find out more about the “What’s in a Story?” event or to register click here

Restore and Explore: A Walking Tour of current work on Wisconsin Point
2024-10-03 15:00 - 17:00 | Wisconsin Point Lot 1, Wisconsin Point Rd, Superior, Wisconsin, 54880, United States
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. 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.

Connecting the Dots with Your Project Plan
2024-10-30 12:00 - 15:00, 2024-10-31 12:00 - 15:00 | WI
12-3pm CT/1-4pm ET This course is split over two days, October 30 and 31, with a three-hour session on each day. You must be able to attend both sessions.

Cost:

$20.00

Capacity:

30

Objectives:

Learn about project planning practices that increase your probability of success

Become familiar with project planning frameworks that can help make your thinking visible

Become aware of the characteristics of a well managed project and tools to proactively manage project timelines and deliverables

Description:

Do you have an idea for a project but don’t know where to start? Are you looking to increase your comfort with planning and managing a project? This course is meant to help those with little or no formal experience become more proactive when it comes to planning and managing effective projects. Attend this condensed version of the NOAA Digital Coast Training’s offering to learn project planning practices that help you build in accountability and strategic thinking, reveal assumptions, and create a targeted effort with measurable results. Walk away with a concrete plan and clear next steps to help you successfully manage your project!

To find out more about the “Connecting the Dots with Your Project Plan” event or to register click here

Secretive Marsh Birds and Their Use of Allouez Bay
2024-11-13 18:30 - 19:30 | Lake Superior Estuarium, 3 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
Tom Prestby,Wisconsin Conservation Manager, Audubon Great Lakes

A group of fascinating difficult-to-detect birds called secretive marshbirds including rails, bitterns, grebes and others rely on high-quality wetlands and have been experiencing population decreases due to loss and degradation of habitat. Learn about these species, the threats they face, their use of Allouez Bay and other wetlands in the St. Louis River Estuary, and a restoration project in Allouez Bay that is restoring the habitat they rely on.

RIVER TALKS SERIES

River Talks is an annual free, informal speaker series about the St. Louis River Estuary in Duluth-Superior and a cooperative project between Wisconsin Sea Grant and the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve. The series will resume in Fall 2023. For more information, visit the River Talks page: go.wisc.edu/4uz720.

Cost

Organizer

Location

Restored Connection to a River in Recovery
2024-12-11 18:30 - 19:30 | Lake Superior Estuarium, 3 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
Kris Eilers,Executive Director, St.Louis River Alliance

From degradation to paddling destination, the St. Louis River Estuary is undergoing an inspiring transformation. Since the designation of the St. Louis River Estuary Area of Concern (AOC) in 1987, many partners have collaborated to clean up the river. The impact of this work is becoming clear, and the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail is proof of that change. Come learn about improved access to the water and future goals for helping (re)connect the community to this beautiful waterway.

RIVER TALKS SERIES

River Talks is an annual free, informal speaker series about the St. Louis River Estuary in Duluth-Superior and a cooperative project between Wisconsin Sea Grant and the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve. The series will resume in Fall 2023. For more information, visit the River Talks page: go.wisc.edu/4uz720.

Cost

Organizer

Location

Chigami-Ziibing: Ojibwe Placenames and Perspectives along the St. Louis River Estuary
2025-01-08 18:30 - 19:30 | Lake Superior Estuarium, 3 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
Naawakwe William Howes III,Gegaanzikiged, Gegaanzongejig Ji-Aabadak Ojibwemowin, Fond du Lac Language & Culture Program

Chigami-ziibing, the St. Louis River, carries many place names that describe it’s importance to the Anishinaabe. Learn the Ojibwemowin names for your favorite spots along the river and practice a bit of the language too.

RIVER TALKS SERIES

River Talks is an annual free, informal speaker series about the St. Louis River Estuary in Duluth-Superior and a cooperative project between Wisconsin Sea Grant and the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve. The series will resume in Fall 2023. For more information, visit the River Talks page: go.wisc.edu/4uz720.

Cost

Organizer

Location

Returning Good Fire to Superior Forests
2025-02-12 18:30 - 19:30 | Lake Superior Estuarium, 3 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
City of Superior & the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa,

In response to research that illuminated the role of ishkode (fire in Ojibwemowin) in shaping pine forests at Wisconsin and Minnesota Point, the City of Superior and Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe are working together to reignite cultural fire practices while protecting public safety and restoring species that thrive after fire. Superior and FDL representatives will share the process and purpose of bringing good fire back to Superior.

RIVER TALKS SERIES

River Talks is an annual free, informal speaker series about the St. Louis River Estuary in Duluth-Superior and a cooperative project between Wisconsin Sea Grant and the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve. The series will resume in Fall 2023. For more information, visit the River Talks page: go.wisc.edu/4uz720.

Cost

Organizer

Location

River Walk: Wetland Bird Monitoring
2025-05-19 16:30 - 18:00 | Wisconsin Point Lot 1, Wisconsin Point Rd, Superior, Wisconsin, 54880, United States
The first River Walk of the year will be an introduction to the incredible world of Wetland Bird Monitoring! Join researchers from NRRI’s Avian Ecology Lab to hear about the Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program, and how birds help us understand the impacts of invasive species, resource management, restoration, and climate on ecosystems in a rapidly changing world.

Learn about some of the research projects led by NRRI and see an example of how bird data is collected using point-count surveys for Coastal Wetland Monitoring. You will get to see a special device that captures bird sounds set up at Allouez Bay as part of the post-restoration evaluation of the site, and learn about how monitoring helped to guide the restoration design at Allouez Bay.

We will meet at Wisconsin Point Lot #1. More details can be found at https://lakesuperiornerr.org/coastal-training/river-walks/.

Please reach out to Melissa Burke at melissa.burke@wisc.edu or call 715-399-4138 if you have questions about participating in this event.

River Walk: Plant Walk!
2025-06-17 17:30 - 19:00 | Meet at Bear Creek Park, Bear Creek Park, Superior, Wisconsin
Get to know some of the plants within the St. Louis River Watershed while exploring Makwa Ziibiins Mikana – Bear Creek Trail. Marisa Lee of MyWildWisconsin and chapter president of Wild Ones Chequamegon Bay will lead us on a short (~1 mile) out-and-back hike along the trail, pointing out unique and culturally significant plants along the way.We’ll gather rain or shine, and will post a notification day-of for a severe weather cancellation. Please dress for the weather, and meet at the Bear Creek Park parking lot at 5:30pm. The path is gravel with some boardwalk sections and timber crossings.

Bear Creek Park is at the east end of Superior at the intersection of Hwy 2 and Moccasin Mike Rd.

River Rovers
2025-06-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Lake Superior Estuarium, 3 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
Join us outdoors, weekly on Wednesdays in the summer from 10:00 am -12:00 pm for River Rovers. A FREE nature playgroup for children ages 3-7 with a different theme each week. You can expect caring educators, story time, snacks, outdoor activities, and more. Check out the Facebook event link for updates on weekly themes.

Children MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian/trusted adult for the duration of their involvement in the programming—learn and play with us!

With questions please contact the education team through Lauryn Cartee via phone at 715-399-4090 or email lauryn.cartee@wisc.edu

River Rovers Dates 2025June 25July 2July 9July 16July 23July 30** NO River Rovers August 7**August 13

Latest event details on Facebook

River Rovers
2025-07-02 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-09 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-16 10:00 - 12:00 | Lake Superior Estuarium, 3 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
Join us outdoors on Wednesdays in the summer from 10:00 am -12:00 pm for River Rovers. River Rovers is a free nature playgroup for children ages 3-7, with a different theme each week. Expect caring educators, story time, snacks, outdoor activities and more.

Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/trusted adult for the duration of their involvement in the programming. This event is best suited for families or small groups — no large school or summer-camp groups. For questions, can contact Estuary Educator Lauryn Cartee via phone at 715-399-4090 or via email at lauryn.cartee@wisc.edu.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

Is there anything else we should know to help ensure a positive experience for you and/or the youth you’re bringing? You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, more information, or other services to make this program more accessible, by contacting Lauryn Cartee via email at Lauryn.Cartee@wisc.edu or Ryan Feldbrugge via phone at 715-399-4090. Contact Lauryn or Ryan as soon as possible. Ideally requests come 20 business days before the program occurs to ensure a match with services, but we know that timing is difficult with the drop-in nature of River Rovers. Feel free to contact Lauryn or Ryan to learn more about the program and its set-up, and to see what we can arrange. There’s no added cost to you for these services.

River Rovers Dates 2025June 25 — What is a River?July 2 — WeatherJuly 9 — Eggs and NestsJuly 16 — CamouflageJuly 23 — Urban ExplorationJuly 30 — Plants** NO River Rovers August 7**August 13 — seasonal topic to be determined!

Latest event details on Facebook

River Walk: Spotted Knapweed Pull at Wisconsin Point
2025-07-19 09:30 - 12:00 | Wisconsin Point Lot 5, Wisconsin Point Lot #5 (public lot at the end of the Point), Superior, Wisconsin, 54880, United States
The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve and Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve are hosting a volunteer event focused on removing Spotted Knapweed from the Lot #5 section of Wisconsin Point. We will be hand-pulling Spotted Knapweed to help local plants thrive.

Spotted Knapweed is a prolific non-local plant that, when widespread, can prevent native plants from growing and decrease the biodiversity of the habitat.

On July 19th, community members of all ages are invited to the point to support healthy ecosystems for local, native plants. No prior experience with Spotted Knapweed is required. This event will involve physical activity like walking, crouching, kneeling, and pulling.

Let us know you are joining us for this event by signing up at the link below! This event is free, and by registering we can make sure we have enough supplies for everyone. Sign up at this link.

Lake Superior Day 2025
2025-07-20 11:00 - 15:00 | WI
Celebrate the Greatest Lake July 20th on Barker’s Island in Superior, Wisconsin

Join us on Barker’s Island in Superior to relax, play, and learn in celebration and appreciation of the Greatest Lake.

Enjoy for free:

Interactive activities, games, and learning opportunities for kids, adults, and families all focused on learning about and appreciating this Great Lake

Visit the Lake Superior Estuarium

Stand-up paddleboarding (try it out!) from noon-3pm

Prizes donated from local businesses

Bus running between Superior Public Library and the event

Food and Tours:

Superior Cubans

Sweeden Sweets

Half price guided tours on the SS Meteor Whaleback Ship starting at 10:30am. Last tour departs at 1:30 pm. Reserve your tour time online: www.superiorpublicmuseums.org. Exhibit space also open 10:30-1:30…come explore inside the ship!

Bus Information:

Catch the free bus in the main parking lot at the Superior Public Library (1530 Tower Avenue). The bus is a school bus from Voyageur Bus Company with steps for entry, a wheelchair lift, 3 wheelchair spots and room for 25 people on bus seats.

The schedule below is a best estimate. The bus should be ready for passengers 10-15 minutes before departure time. For example, people can load the bus at the library starting at 10:45am to be ready for the 11:00 departure.

FROM LIBRARY to eventFROM EVENT to library11:0011:3012:00 noon12:301:001:302:0011:1511:4512:1512:451:151:452:153:00

Ready to leave Lake Superior Day? Meet the bus in front of the red building, the Lake Superior Estuarium.

EXTEND THE FUN WITH CONNECTED EVENTS

Wisconsin Point Spotted Knapweed Pull at Wisconsin Point

Saturday, July 19, 9:30am – 12 noon (note this is the day before the big event) Meet at Wisconsin Point Lot 5

To kick off a weekend of celebrating Lake Superior, join us for a morning of stewardship on Wisconsin Point! We will be hand-pulling some of the non-local Spotted Knapweed plants that have spread around the parking lot. To learn more and sign up, visit this page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spotted-knapweed-pull-at-wisconsin-point-tickets-1373285165899.

Paddle for the People

Sunday, July 20

North Shore Stand Up Paddleboarding hosts the eighth annual Paddle for the People 4K recreational paddle race around Barker’s Island. The free race begins at 10 a.m. with mandatory check in from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. (Register online at duluthsup.com. Registration is limited.)

SPONSORS

This year’s Lake Superior Day event in Superior is coordinated by the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve operated by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the following partners: the City of Superior, North Shore SUP, Paddle it Forward, University of Wisconsin-Superior, The Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve, Minnesota Sea Grant, and Douglas County 4-H. Thank you to businesses that support the event through logistics or donations to the free prize drawing: Barkers Island Inn, Barker’s Island Marina, Duluth Pottery and Tile, Epicurean, Cap’n J’s Mini Golf, Bluetick Design, and more to come.

HISTORY OF LAKE SUPERIOR DAY

Lake Superior Day was started in the early 1990s to highlight the importance of this great water body to the basin’s environment and economy. This year’s event is coordinated by the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve operated by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The Reserve encompasses over 16,000 acres along the St. Louis River freshwater estuary. Come enjoy the festivities in appreciation of the lake!

Lake Superior Day was started in the early 1990s to highlight the importance of this great water body to the basin’s environment and economy. Now it is held every 3rd Sunday in July. This year’s event in Superior is coordinated by the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve operated by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the following partners: the City of Superior, University of Wisconsin-Superior, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, The Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve, North Shore SUP and Wisconsin Sea Grant. The Reserve encompasses over 16,000 acres along the St. Louis River freshwater estuary. Come enjoy the festivities in appreciation of the lake!

ABOUT LAKE SUPERIOR

Lake Superior is the cleanest, coldest, and clearest of the Great Lakes. The largest lake by surface area in the world, it fuels our local shipping, commercial fishing, and recreational industries while providing clean drinking water. Every day, each of the 600,000 human residents of the Lake Superior basin use water from the lake for drinking, home use, industrial use, or recreation. The lake is essential for countless fish, birds, animals, and plants.

MORE EVENT INFORMATION

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services to make this event more accessible, by contacting Ryan Feldbrugge via email at Ryan.Feldbrugge@wisc.edu or phone call 715-399-4090. Contact Ryan as soon as possible, ideally by July 7, 2025. Even if it’s after July 7, feel free to contact Ryan to learn more about the event and its set-up, and to see what we can arrange. There’s no added cost to you for these services.

River Rovers
2025-07-23 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-07-30 10:00 - 12:00, 2025-08-13 10:00 - 12:00 | Lake Superior Estuarium, 3 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
Join us outdoors on Wednesdays in the summer from 10:00 am -12:00 pm for River Rovers. River Rovers is a free nature playgroup for children ages 3-7, with a different theme each week. Expect caring educators, story time, snacks, outdoor activities and more.

Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/trusted adult for the duration of their involvement in the programming. This event is best suited for families or small groups — no large school or summer-camp groups. For questions, can contact Estuary Educator Lauryn Cartee via phone at 715-399-4090 or via email at lauryn.cartee@wisc.edu.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

Is there anything else we should know to help ensure a positive experience for you and/or the youth you’re bringing? You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, more information, or other services to make this program more accessible, by contacting Lauryn Cartee via email at Lauryn.Cartee@wisc.edu or Ryan Feldbrugge via phone at 715-399-4090. Contact Lauryn or Ryan as soon as possible. Ideally requests come 20 business days before the program occurs to ensure a match with services, but we know that timing is difficult with the drop-in nature of River Rovers. Feel free to contact Lauryn or Ryan to learn more about the program and its set-up, and to see what we can arrange. There’s no added cost to you for these services.

Latest event details on Facebook

River Walk: Returning Good Fire to Wisconsin Point
2025-08-14 17:30 - 19:00 | Wisconsin Point Lot 5, Wisconsin Point Lot #5 (public lot at the end of the Point), Superior, Wisconsin, 54880, United States
Ishkode (Ojibwe for fire) is not only an important part of Anishaabe history and culture, but also a valuable land management tool for our northern pine forests. Join the Lake Superior Reserve, the City of Superior, and Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa (Ojibwe) as they introduce a collaborative project to return good fire to Wisconsin Point.

Come to Lot #5 of Wisconsin Point to learn about some of the habitat’s fire-dependent red pines and pyrogenic blueberries, the history of fire on Wisconsin Point, and the benefit of using fire as a tool in Superior, WI. We will walk (~1 mile) to some other sites on Wisconsin Point that will see some of the first good fires in over 100 years.

We’ll gather in light-rain or shine, and will post a notification day-of for a severe weather cancellation. Please meet at Wisconsin Point Lot #5 (restrooms are available). We will be walking, stopping and standing over the course of the walk. Our walk will be about 1 mile long round-trip, will consist of a fairly level dirt path through the forest, some walking along the roadway, and there is a relatively steep ditch near our destination site, where we will be off-trail. There is poison ivy in the area, so long pants and close-toed shoes are recommended.

No registration is required and all events are FREE. Come dressed for the weather and prepared to move around outdoors. Please reach out to Melissa Burke at melissa.burke@wisc.edu or call 715-399-4138 if you have questions about participating in this event. You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services to make this event more accessible, by contacting Melissa as soon as possible, ideally by August 1, 2025. There’s no added cost to you for these services.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

OPEN: Lake Superior Estuarium
2025-09-05 10:00 - 14:00 | Lake Superior Estuarium, 3 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
A place to explore! Join us in the interactive exhibit hall to learn more about how fresh water, ecology, and culture coexist and thrive in the Lake Superior watershed. The Lake Superior Estuarium is located at 3 Marina Drive on Barkers Island in Superior.

River Walk: Traditional Wild Rice Processing
2025-09-13 15:00 - 16:00 | Pokegama Bay launch, off Billings Drive (Superior Municipal Forest), Superior, Wisconsin, 54880
Are you curious about the practice of harvesting & processing Wild Rice? Manoominikewin – Ojibwemowin for harvesting wild rice – holds both cultural significance and ecological importance. Join the Lake Superior Reserve, the UWS Indigenous Cultures Resource Center, and the 1854 Treaty Authority on September 13th at the Pokegama Bay Boat Launch from 3:00pm-4:00pm to learn about traditional wild rice harvesting and processing! You will be able to visit traditional processing stations including parching, hulling, and winnowing, and learn about harvesting (and possibly watch a harvesting demo from shore).

We’ll gather in light-rain or shine, and will post a notification day-of for a severe weather cancellation. Rice Processing stations will be available at 3:00pm at the Pokegama Bay Boat Launch (restrooms are available). Parking at the launch will be limited, so please be prepared to park along the gravel road (Billings Drive).

This program is funded by the Rural Partnerships Initiative at UW-Madison.

Everyone Can Bird! - Fall Migration at Hawk Ridge
2025-10-11 09:45 - 11:45 | Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, 3980 East Skyline Parkway Duluth, MN 55804, Duluth, Minnesota, 55804
Join us for a free, bird-focused morning! This event is planned in partnership with the Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve, Duluth Parks and Recreation, Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory, Wisconsin Sea Grant, Embark Supported Employment, Minnesota Land Trust, and the Lake Superior Reserve.

Birds will be migrating to their winter homes. October is the month where the largest of the raptors–like Bald and Golden Eagles, Red-tailed Hawks, Rough-legged Hawks, and Northern Goshawks–migrate through Hawk Ridge. Come join us on fall World Migratory Bird Day to celebrate this movement and indicator of changing seasons!

We welcome people of all ages and ability levels to attend this accessible bird observation event at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory (3980 East Skyline Parkway Duluth, MN 55804). A mix of moving and stationary activities will be offered. See more details about Hawk Ridge here on the Duluth Parks & Rec website.

American Sign Language interpretation is provided. We have binoculars for people to use, a spotting scope, a wheelchair mount for binoculars, and portable seating. A track chair — an all-terrain, electric-powered chair that can be used on hiking trails — will be available, courtesy of Duluth Parks & Recreation.

Come and stay for the whole time or meet up with and leave the group when you need. Light refreshments will be available. There will also be a wheelchair accessible portable bathroom on-site for this event. On bright sunny days there is limited shade, so please bring sun protection and anything else you need to be comfortable.

Registration is encouraged but not required. Free bus transportation is provided from the UW-Superior Parking Lot 2 (behind Burger King) and Lakeview Covenant Church (see more details below). We encourage participants to ride the free bus to Hawk Ridge to save room on parking at the event.

This event is designed with access in mind. Is there anything else we should know to help ensure a positive experience for you and/or the people coming with you? You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, more information, or other services to make this program more accessible by contacting Luciana at Luciana.Ranelli@wisc.edu or 715-399-4085 ideally by September 15. Please reach out even after that date and we’ll see what we can do. There’s no added cost to you for these services.

The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

TRANSPORTATION DETAILS

To reach Hawk Ridge directly: Access East Skyline Parkway from Glenwood Ave. and continue past the first overlook on the paved road another half mile or so on the gravel road to a second overlook. Look for Hawk Ridge signage and the count platform. Accessible parking is available and visitors should look for parking guidance via signage when they arrive.

Free shuttle bus transportation is provided from the UW-Superior Parking Lot 2 (behind Burger King in Superior) and Lakeview Covenant Church (1001 Jean Duluth Rd in Duluth) to Hawk Ridge. The bus is an ADA accessible bus from Voyageur Bus Company with 4 wheelchair spots and room for 20 adults on bus seats. We encourage you to ride the bus to save the limited on-site parking spots for those who need to drive. Please register here to reserve your spot on the bus.

We will have a staff member on-site at each bus stop holding an “Everyone Can Bird” sign. The ASL interpreters will not be on the bus unless requested – they will be onsite at Hawk Ridge.

BUS PICK-UP: The bus will pick up attendees from the UW-Superior Parking Lot 2 behind Burger King at 9:10 am. (Turn onto Catlin Avenue, turn right onto 16th Street, and immediately turn right into the parking lot. You can park near the small white building and be able to access the bus stop right in front of Enterprise.) The bus departs the parking lot at 9:15 am for Lakeview Covenant Church.

Lakeview Covenant Church – 1001 Jean Duluth Rd in Duluth. There is a public bus stop for DTA route 103 at Glenwood & Woodbury about 350 ft or a 1 minute walk away. Pickup will be between 9:35 and 9:40 a.m. on the morning of the event. You may park your car in the lot, if you choose to ride the bus from the church.

The bus will stay at Hawk Ridge for the duration of the program.

BUS RETURN: The bus will load at Hawk Ridge around 11:45 a.m. and return to Lakeview Covenant Church and the UW-Superior Lot 2 after the event.

WEATHER

Everyone Can Bird may need to be canceled due to weather conditions. Any changes will be communicated directly to people who have registered for the event and posted on the Lake Superior Reserve Facebook.

The River Talks - Islands Without Black Ash: Caring for Wetland Forests
2025-12-10 18:00 - 19:00 | Lake Superior Estuarium, 3 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
Get to know the river in your backyard! Join us for The River Talks – a free learning series hosted at the Lake Superior Estuarium.

On December 10, Kirsten Rhude, Stewardship Coordinator at the Lake Superior Reserve, will tell us about the changes happening in wetland forests:Black ash trees are abundant along the St. Louis River Estuary and Lake Superior’s coast. However, the non-native emerald ash borer reached the region in 2013, threatening these trees and the habitat they provide. Come learn about the importance of these coastal wetlands and the restoration efforts to help steward wetland forests long into the future.

The Lake Superior Estuarium is located at 3 Marina Drive on Barkers Island in Superior, WI (it’s the red building).

You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services to make this event more accessible, by contacting the Reserve at least 20 days before the event. There’s no added cost to you for these services.The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

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The River Talks: More Manoomin: Wild Rice Restoration in the Estuary
2026-01-14 18:00 - 19:00 | Lake Superior Estuarium, 3 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
Get to know the river in your backyard! Join us for The River Talks – a free learning series hosted at the Lake Superior Estuarium.

Join us on January 14 to learn about wild rice from members of the St. Louis River Manoomin Restoration Partnership!For centuries, Ojibwe people and others came to Chi-gami ziibi, the St. Louis River, to harvest manoomin (wild rice), but over the past 100 years rice beds were greatly diminished here. After over a decade of restoration, wild rice in the estuary is slowly rebounding. Learn what it takes to bring these amazing plants back and what’s needed to care for manoomin into the future.

The Lake Superior Estuarium is located at 3 Marina Drive on Barkers Island in Superior, WI (it’s the red building).

You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services to make this event more accessible, by contacting the Reserve at least 20 days before the event. There’s no added cost to you for these services.The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.

The River Talks - Ganawenindiwag: Working with Plant Relatives to Heal Gichigami Shorelines
2026-02-11 18:00 - 19:00 | Lake Superior Estuarium, 3 Marina Drive, Superior, WI, 54880, United States
Get to know the river in your backyard! Join us for The River Talks – a free learning series hosted at the Lake Superior Estuarium.

This River Talk features Karina Heim from The Lake Superior Reserve and Rob Croll from the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission.

Lake Superior’s shorelines face growing pressures from erosion, development, and new climate patterns. Come learn about Ganawenindiwag (‘they take care of each other’), a resource that reframes plants as relatives and teachers, offering cultural and ecological guidance for healing and protecting these coasts.

Participants may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, or other services to make this event more accessible, by contacting the Reserve at least 20 days before the event. There’s no added cost to you for these services. The University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming in compliance with state and federal law.
