Community members of all ages are invited to join in a community environmental care-taking project as a part of Lake Superior Day 2023 – an annual celebration of lake and water.

This special pre-event will take place prior to the start of Lake Superior Day, 9:00 – 11:00 am on Wisconsin Point. Registration is free but required. If you would like to register please use this link.

Spotted Knapweed is a non-local plant that competes with native plants for habitat and resources. Removal of this plant will support healthy ecosystems for local, native plants. Participants will learn how to identify spotted knapweed and will be trained on proper and respectful removal techniques. We will spend two hours working to remove spotted knapweed in known hotspots at the end of Wisconsin Point.

This activity will involve walking from the parking lot to locations off of the road where spotted knapweed is concentrated. Removal of knapweed is a physical activity that involves getting close to the ground and using body strength to remove plants. Physical movements may include pulling, bending, crouching or kneeling.

If you are interested in learning more about spotted knapweed and its designation as an invasive plant, visit this Wisconsin DNR information page: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Invasives/fact/SpottedKnapweed.html

Orientation:

We will meet up at Lot 5 on Wisconsin Point at 9:00 am, Sunday, July 16th. Participants do not need to have any prior training on removal of spotted knapweed. Registered participants will be provided with proper supplies (gloves and garbage bags) and there will be on-site training in the identification and removal of this plant.

This Lake Superior Day community caretaking event was developed by a team from the 2022-23 Leadership Superior Douglas County cohort. This event is hosted by the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve and supported by the Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve as a part of the annual Lake Superior Day celebration. Participants are encouraged to stop by Barkers Island in Superior following the spotted knapweed pull to experience all of the Lake Superior Day booths, activities, and entertainment!