Where the River

Meets the Lake

FOLSR Newsletter | Winter 2025

Hello Michael,

Have you noticed? We're a month into 2025 and the daylight hours in the region are lengthening. Our planet circles the sun in a comforting rhythm. The weather, however, has been a bit disconcerting with sub-zero temperatures followed by uncharacteristic warmth.

Winds are also blowing ... both actual wind and political winds. Perhaps, more than average, it is important for people such as you ... people who care about outdoor spaces, natural areas and exceptional waters like Lake Superior ... to step into the advocacy arena. Please join me and other Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve (FOLSR) by communicating your support for the National Estuarine Research Reserve system. Write, call or visit your elected officials. If you need fodder for your letter or conversation, the articles below contain useful nuggets. Beyond that, know that FOLSR continues to weave the fabric of our community together through events, volunteer opportunities and collaborations, and though the winds may blow, we will continue to support the success of the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve.

Your Friend,

Sharon, FOLSR Board Chair

The mission of the Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve is to support the vitality and effectiveness of the Lake Superior Reserve. We do this through fundraising, advocating on behalf of the Reserve and engaging community members in the Reserve’s work.

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Feb 18: Discussion with Filmmaker John Shepard

The Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve's annual get-together features John Shepard, associate professor at Hamline University and producer of "A Sea Change for Superior." This documentary has been featured on PBS nationwide. The event is on Tuesday, February 18 at 6 pm at the Lake Superior Estuarium (3 Marina Drive, Superior, Wis.). There will be social time with food and drinks, including beverages provided by Earth Rider Brewery. The event is free and all are welcome to attend!

CLICK HERE for more information!

photo: keynote presentation titled "An Estuary in the Balance" (credit: John Shepard)

St. Louis River Summit - An Estuary Mosaic

The 15th Annual St. Louis River Summit is coming up from March 4-6, 2025 at Yellowjacket Union, hosted by the Lake Superior Reserve. The theme is An Estuary Mosaic: Understanding the Pieces, Appreciating the Whole. Registration is now open, and we'd love to see you there! For more information about content and registration, please visit the Summit website: CLICK HERE

photo: 15th Annual St. Louis River Summit advertisement (credit: Lake Superior Reserve)

A Very Merry Christmas Bird Count

How did you spend your holiday season? Some of us spent time counting birds for the 125th annual Christmas Bird Count, joining in with birders across the US, Canada, and Mexico. This is the second year that the Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve hosted the Superior circle. CLICK HERE to read the full recap on our website.

photo: A local snowy owl (credit: Will Mowchan)

Winter Fun at the Lake Superior Ice Festival

A frozen estuary provided a great gathering space for Twin Ports community members for the 9th Annual Lake Superior Ice Festival, hosted by the City of Superior on Barker’s Island. Ice conditions were perfect due to an arctic blast earlier in the week, and attendees were able to participate in numerous activities, including looking for phytoplankton with Lake Superior Reserve staff. To learn more about the Lake Superior Reserve's activities at the Ice Festival, CLICK HERE to see the full article on our website.

photo: looking for phytoplankton under a microscope (credit: Luciana Ranelli)

One of Your Friends

Meet Melissa Burke! Melissa is the Climate Resilience Specialist at the Lake Superior Reserve supporting the coastal training and stewardship programs. Her work at the Reserve includes helping local decision-makers build resilient communities, assisting with restoration projects and non-native plant removal, and connecting community members to the estuary through public outreach events. Melissa has always been fascinated by the natural world, especially water! She spent a good part of childhood paddling through Northern Wisconsin lakes, fishing, and wading through swamps looking for critters and plants. She graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a degree in Human Dimensions of Natural Resource Management - Environmental Education & Interpretation, and she holds a degree in Photography from UW-Eau Claire.

Next time you see Melissa, say "Hi Friend!"

photo credit: Melissa Burke

What's New at Lake Superior Reserve?

photo: Lake Superior Reserve staff enjoying the winter weather (credit: Deanna Erickson)

Winter weather doesn't stop the Lake Superior Reserve from taking care of a frozen estuary! From hosting River Talks, to planning the 15th Annual St. Louis River Summit, researching algal blooms in the estuary, and leading school groups on nature field trips, just to name a few, staff are working incredibly hard this winter season! CLICK HERE to read more about the many things happening at the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve.

7 Tips for Contacting Decision-Makers

Send a Valentines message to a person in charge. Here are seven tips for success:

Use the correct address and salutation.
Use your own words. Personal letters demonstrate greater commitment and carry greater weight.
Keep your message focused. One page. Clearly state why you are writing and what you want them to do.
Know your facts. Be accurate and honest.
Find out how your decision maker voted on similar issues in the past. If your decision maker did not support your position, let them know that you are aware of that.
Be timely. Contact your decision maker while there is still time for them to consider and act on your request.
Say “thank you.” Being a public servant isn't easy!

Lake Superior Estuarium Fall/Winter Hours

photo: community members engaging with the interactive map in the Estuarium (credit: Lake Superior Reserve)

The Lake Superior Estuarium remains open for the fall and winter schedule. We are open weekly on Fridays and the first Saturday of the month from 10 am to 2 pm.

Come explore the free exhibit hall with a play area for young children, as well as maps and information about the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the surrounding community. Extra activities will be planned for open Saturdays.

For more information on the Lake Superior Estuarium, CLICK HERE