THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED as of 7/17 due to poor air quality forecasted for Friday, July 17 - Sunday, July 19.

Join the Lake Superior Reserve in caring for Wisconsin Point as part of the celebration the day before Lake Superior Day!

The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve and Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve are hosting a volunteer opportunity focused on removing Spotted Knapweed from Wisconsin Point. Volunteers will meet at Lot #5 at 9:30 am for a brief introduction before dispersing to locations where Spotted Knapweed is the most prominent.

Spotted Knapweed is a prolific non-local plant that, when widespread, can prevent native plants from growing and decrease the biodiversity of the habitat. It's particularly effective at outcompeting other plants by exuding a chemical from it's roots, preventing the growth of other plants. For more information check out the DNR's info page on the plant:

Spotted knapweed | (Centaurea biebersteinii) | Wisconsin DNR

On July 18th, 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.

Spotted Knapweed can cause skin irritation if direct contact is made with the plant. Gloves will be provided, but it is recommended to wear long sleeves, pants, and closed toed shoes.

We will provide:

• Snacks

• Water

• Extra gloves for people who don't have any

• Contractor bags

• First aid kit

• Hand wash station

You could bring:

• A refillable water bottle

• Gardening/work gloves if you have them (spotted knapweed can cause some skin irritation if you have direct contact with it)

• Sunscreen

• Bugspray

• A pad to kneel on if you have one, since we are hand-pulling

This event is co-hosted by the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve.

All activities are designed with access in mind. You may request an interpreter, materials in an alternative language or format, more information, or other services to make this program more accessible. Contact Melissa Burke via email at melissa.burke@wisc.edu or phone at 715-399-4138 ideally by June 19. Please reach out even after that date and we'll see what we can do. Services are provided at no cost to you.

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

Update: LAKE SUPERIOR DAY CELEBRATIONS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO POOR AIR QUALITY FORECASTED FOR FRIDAY, JULY 19 - SUNDAY, JULY 20

Participants are encouraged to join us in attending Lake Superior Day festivities on Barker's Island the following day (Sunday, July 20)!