The Link – Fall 2025 Edition

From the Editor

If you’re like me, when you care about a place, you may begin to wonder about the history of that land and who once lived there. With limited knowledge of our refuge’s history after the retreat of the glaciers, I was very interested when a Friends project gave me the opportunity to get a better understanding of the people who were the original stewards of the land that is now Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge.

This opportunity occurred when we decided to raise funds to build an amphitheater at the refuge and made plans to add Native American art to the seat walls and presentation area. Collaboration among 2 Native members of the Friends board, 2 Native artists, and the fundraising team added Dakota and Ojibwe art and language to make our new amphitheater unique. We are now preparing to add an interpretive sign that will share what we’ve learned with visitors. (Photo below)

The Friends of Plum and Pilots Islands (FOPPI) also wished to explore the history of their islands in Lake Michigan, part of the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge, and they took a unique approach to learning about the first inhabitants of the islands. Their story and photos follow.

Finally, our thoughts are with Friends and Service staff as we all deal with a partial government shutdown. We urge you to take advantage of the Virtual Conference, November 4 and 5, to benefit from the knowledge and support of Friends from across the nation. (Information below)

Sue Hix,
Editor
Friends of Sherburne NWR (MN)

Join Us!
Virtual Friends Conference
November 4 and 5, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM Eastern

Friends Groups fortify our National Wildlife Refuge and Hatchery Systems. Together, we amplify impact, generate support, and build stronger and healthier communities. This two-day virtual conference is designed for Friends leaders, board members, staff, and volunteers who want to build capacity, share best practices, and connect with peers from across the country. Level up your skills and network with refuge and hatchery Friends from across the country!

For tickets, click HERE.

Topics include:

• Fundraising, Membership, and Grants
• Nature Store Tips and Ideas
• Community Engagement
• Advocacy with Elected Officials
• Marketing, Communication, and Social Media
• Board Development and Governance
• Volunteers: Clarifying Roles

Remembering Those Who Came Before

By Mary Beth Volmer, President of the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands, Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge

On a recent visit to the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge, I took a hike along the path that cuts across Plum Island. The trees were beginning to turn color, and the geese were beginning to gather for their trip south. I thought about the people who had walked this same path, generations before me. Maybe they had touched the same trees that I was now admiring. Did they tell the trees their hopes, secrets, or woes? Did they dream that one day this beautiful land, plant life, and animals would be protected for future generations? Could they have been the Paleo Indians, the first known inhabitants of Wisconsin?

There are reports of copper and bronze artifacts being found on the Island and other surrounding islands. The Paleo were hunter-gatherers who migrated south after the last glacier of the last ice age retreated. These islands in northern Lake Michigan offer a great variety of fish, flora, and fauna as well as an abundance of trees for cooking and safety. I’ve got a feeling that the chances are pretty good that it was the Paleo who lived here.

The thought of their presence continued to intrigue me, so I worked with our Friends group to host a field day and invited an archeology fellow to join us. Together we worked to piece together the story using the little bits of information that we knew. We discussed potential spots on the island where they might have been able to find ample food and provide safety for their families – not much different than our personal goals. We talked about their need for community and the ability to trade with other tribes. We wondered what kind of stories they’d tell around the campfire. Did they talk about the tree that looks like a spider [see photo], or the rock that looks like a dinosaur egg? Probably not, but we had a laugh at that.

We did agree, though, that before the Europeans arrived, our refuges were their refuge. They may have left us clues about how they adapted their lives when the environment began to change around them. They learned to develop tools, skills, and traditions that built their culture. As we begin to see our environment changing, perhaps we too can draw on those who came before us and map a future for those that come after us.

The Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands will be hosting another Native American Field Day on Plum Island July 26, 2026. Come and join us!

Resources:

• Wisconsin Historical Society:  Ancient Land, First Peoples | Short History of Wisconsin | Wisconsin Historical Society 
• Wisconsin Archeologist, Vol. 13, No. 4 The Wisconsin archeologist : Wisconsin Natural History Society. Archeological Section : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Friends of Plum and Pilot Island, Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge, www.plumandpilot.org 

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