Jan 2022
The River Talks: Spirit Island in the St. Louis River
The River Talks is a series of informal science presentations about the St. Louis River Estuary in Duluth-Superior. In this edition Jeff Savage, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa cultural center and museum director, presents “Stories of Spirit Island.” The event is a cooperative project between the Wisconsin and Minnesota Sea Grant programs and the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Find out more »Apr 2022
Open House on St. Louis River Beneficial Use Impairment
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources are seeking public comments from until April 26 on their recommendation to remove the Degraded Fish and Wildlife Populations Beneficial Use Impairment from the St. Louis River Area of Concern. Degraded Fish and Wildlife Populations was one of nine Beneficial Use Impairments identified in the St. Louis River AOC. All six management actions required to remove…
Find out more »May 2022
World Migratory Bird Day Activities
A two-event celebration of World Migratory Bird Day. Features a Wisconsin Point guided bird walk and migratory movie morning. Attendees are free to visit the Estuarium, which has exhibits on the St. Louis River Estuary. Light snacks and beverages available. Questions? Email: [email protected].
Find out more »Jun 2022
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Wednesday, repeating until Aug 17, 2022
River Rovers
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Wednesday, repeating until Aug 17, 2022
A free outdoor nature playgroup for children ages 3-7 with a different theme each Wednesday. Expect caring educators, storytime, snacks, outdoor activities and more. Children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian/trusted adult for the duration of their involvement in the programming. River Rovers is part of the education program at the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve in Superior, Wisconsin.
Find out more »Jul 2022
Lake Superior Day 2022
Lake Superior Day at the Lake Superior Estuarium on Barker’s Island in Superior features live music, kids’ activities, stand-up paddle boarding, informational booths and food vendors all focused on celebrating and appreciating the Great Lake. Prior to the main event, North Shore Stand Up Paddleboarding will host the 5th annual Paddle for the People 4K recreational paddle race around Barker’s Island. The race is free and begins at 10 a.m. with mandatory check-in from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Participants may…
Find out more »Sep 2022
Below Deck: A Celebration of Maritime History
It’s a day-long celebration of Great Lakes maritime history. Children’s marine archaeology program will be from 9-11:30 a.m. Free S.S. Meteor tours will be from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Speakers will present at 2:30-4:30 p.m. Tickets will be available on-site. $15 for one speaker, $25 for two. Social hour 5-7:30 p.m., including mocktails and a silent auction.
Find out more »Accessible Bird Observing
Join the Lake Superior Reserve for a free, bird-focused morning. People of all ages and ability levels are welcome to attend this accessible birding event at the Lake Superior Estuarium on Barker’s Island in Superior. Move along the boardwalk or paved trails on a guided bird hike, or explore bird artifacts like feathers and skulls indoors at your own pace. There will be 15 pairs of binoculars for people to use, a spotting scope, a wheelchair mount for the scope,…
Find out more »Feb 2023
The Edible Estuary: Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve Annual Member Meeting
Our "edible estuary" speaker this year is Ariel Bonkoski of Ariel's Mushroom Co. Ariel will add to the fun with a presentation focused on fungi! Refreshments provided. All are welcome. Join us in person at 3 Marina Drive, Superior, or on Zoom at bit.ly/FOLSR2023 Agenda: 5:30 - Social time (networking and refreshments) 6:00 - Welcome 6:10 - FOLSR Updates 6:25 - Reserve Updates 6:30 - Foraging for Fungi, presentation by Ariel Bonkoski 7:00- Social time
Find out more »Mar 2023
The River Talks: History of the Upper Estuary and Fond du Lac Neighborhood — River History and Winter Stories
River Talks is a 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. This in-person installment features Christine Carlson, historian and Mark McConnell, Elder, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. This event will take place both indoors and outdoors if conditions allow — dress accordingly. Light refreshments will be provided.
Find out more »Apr 2023
The River Talks: Art and Science
River Talks is a 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. This in-person and online installment features local environmental science painter and muralist, Adam Swanson. Zoom link and more information to come at lakesuperiornerr.org.
Find out more »May 2023
The River Talks: How and Where to Find Birds in the St. Louis River Estuary
River Talks is a 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. This in-person and online installment features Steve Kolbe, a member of UMD's Natural Resources Research Institute. This installment is being held earlier than most River Talk events in hopes of having enough daylight to search for birds. Zoom link and more information to come at lakesuperiornerr.org.
Find out more »Jun 2023
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Wednesday, repeating until Aug 2, 2023
River Rovers Nature Playgroup
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Wednesday, repeating until Aug 2, 2023
The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve offers the River Rovers Nature Playgroup for children ages 3-7, starting June 21 and running every Wednesday through August 2. Parents or guardians should be in attendance with their children for the duration of the program. No registration is necessary. Attendance is free and snacks are provided. Nature activities, crafts, games and stories will be conducted by Lake Superior NERR staff. For more information on River Rovers Nature Playgroup, please contact the Lake…
Find out more »One event on Jun 23, 2023 at 10:00 am
One event on Jun 24, 2023 at 10:00 am
Lake Superior Estuarium Summer Hours
One event on Jun 23, 2023 at 10:00 am
One event on Jun 24, 2023 at 10:00 am
The current hours are Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. -5 p.m. 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…
Find out more »Tree Sapling Giveaway
The Lake Superior Reserve is looking for good homes for free 2-year bareroot saplings. Trees are available of a self-serve, while-supplies-last basis at the Lake Superior Estuarium from 10 a.m.to 1 p.m. on June 24. The saplings have been out of cold storage for several days and need to be planted as soon as possible. Many species are best suited for wet soils or shoreline conditions, but several are available that will grow in dry areas as well.
Find out more »River Walks: A Fresh Start for Pickle Pond
Why is there heavy equipment down at the entrance to Barkers Island? What is happening at Pickle Pond? At this event, participants will take a short walk to the site of a project to restore habitat and access to the waterfront in Superior. Get up close and learn about the changes that are underway from project coordinators at Wisconsin DNR and the construction contractors doing the work. Hear from researchers at the EPA about some of the work that has…
Find out more »Jul 2023
Lake Superior Day 2023
Lake Superior Day at the Lake Superior Estuarium on Barker’s Island in Superior features live music, kids’ activities, stand-up paddle boarding, raffle prizes, informational booths and food vendors all focused on celebrating and appreciating the Great Lake. Teague Alexy performs at 11 a.m. The Gemstones Honoring AfroGeode perform at 1 p.m. Stand-up paddle boarding demonstrations run from noon to 3 p.m. Food will be available for purchase from Superior Cubans, the AICHO Community Garden Program and Sweeden Sweets. Prior to…
Find out more »Aug 2023
Everyone Can Bird: Graduation to Migration
All ages and ability levels are invited to attend this accessible birding event. Move along the boardwalk or paved trails on a guided bird hike or explore bird artifacts like feathers and skulls indoors at your own pace. These activities are designed with access in mind, but if you would like to request additional accommodations, please email [email protected] or call Luciana at 715-399-4085 at least 10 days before the event. A spotting scope, a wheelchair mount for binoculars, 15 pairs…
Find out more »Oct 2023
The River Talks: Duluth’s Lost Industries Along the St. Louis River
Local historian and author Tony Dierckins presents “Duluth’s Lost Industries Along the St. Louis River” during this edition of the River Talks. Refreshments will be provided. The shores of the lower St. Louis River were once lined with ore and coal docks, grain terminals, flour and lumber mills, steel plants, shipyards and dozens of other manufacturers. From the brownstone quarries of Fond du Lac to Gary New Duluth’s giant Minnesota Steel Plant, this presentation explains the rise and demise of…
Find out more »Dec 2023
Superior, WI Christmas Bird Count
Birders will explore and document Superior's winter bird species All findings will be compiled and sent to the National Audubon Society to contribute to the nation's longest running community science bird project. Beginners are welcome and experts needed. Sign up on the Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve's event page. Contact [email protected] for more information.
Find out more »Feb 2024
Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve Annual Meeting 2024
The Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve Annual Meeting celebrates everything the estuary does for people, and what people can do for the estuary. This year's meeting focuses on the intersection between science, art and culture with Ojibwe artist Sam Zimmerman sharing what inspires him to paint, and the personal connection he has to his homeland. Socialize with others with a passion for the environment and enjoy refreshments, stories, FOLSR updates and more. Agenda 6:30 p.m. - Social time (networking…
Find out more »Mar 2024
Lake Superior Estuarium First Saturdays
The Estuarium is open for exploration and activities during this event. Kids can participate in story time at noon and 3 p.m. Saturday, May 4: Experience tiny nature and learn how to connect with the world on a smaller scale through magnifying glasses, small-scale photography and scientific observation of plants and insects. Saturday, June 1: Try nature journaling. People of all ages can learn how to journal using different senses, materials and muses to experience nature in new ways. For…
Find out more »May 2024
Estuarium Orientation for Volunteers
The Reserve is looking for volunteers to help out at the Lake Superior Estuarium this summer and is hosting an orientation session. Learn more about becoming a docent and how to help keep the Estuarium accessible for as many people as possible. No experience or minimum time commitment required. Reserve your spot at eventbrite.com.
Find out more »Jun 2024
Pickle Paddle
The first River Walk of the year is actually a paddle. Participants can enjoy an evening on Pickle Pond with paddle craft and light snacks provided. Rain or shine. Previous paddle experience is not required.
Find out more »Jul 2024
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Wednesday, repeating until Aug 14, 2024
River Rovers Nature Playgroup
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Wednesday, repeating until Aug 14, 2024
This free nature playgroup is for children ages 3-7, with a different theme each Wednesday. 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.
Find out more »Ponyo
The Lake Superior Estuarium presents the children's movie by Studio Ghibli as part of their Special Saturday event.
Find out more »A Walking Tour of Our Connections with Water
Learn the history of the Barker's Island, observe wildlife, explore estuary-inspired art and sample foods from the estuary at this hour and a half walking tour of Barker Islands waterfront. Along the way, hear about how our various identities influence how we connect with the water, based on results of the recent Waterway Benefits Survey. There will be additional time for questions at the end. The tour will he less and a mile and wheelchair accessible. After the walking tour…
Find out more »Lake Superior Day 2024
Lake Superior Day at the Lake Superior Estuarium on Barker’s Island in Superior features interactive activities, games, and learning opportunities for kids, adults and families, all focused on learning about and appreciating this Great Lake. Food vendors include Superior Cubans, Sweeden Sweets and the American Indian Community Housing Organization's Giinawiind Gigintaawigi'igomin: Together We Grow Program. This year, attendees can hop on a free shuttle bus that runs between the Superior Public Library and the event on Barker’s Island. Buses run…
Find out more »Aug 2024
Experience Tiny Nature
Kids can learn how to connect with the world on a smaller scale through magnifying glasses, small-scale photography and scientific observation of plants and insects.
Find out more »Oct 2024
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Friday, repeating until Jan 17, 2025
Lake Superior Estuarium Open
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Friday, repeating until Jan 17, 2025
The Lake Superior Estuarium houses family-centered exhibits that tell the story of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior and the communities on their shores. It also includes a classroom, meeting space and offices. The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient visitors to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help anyone explore. An estuarium is gathering place for learning and play. The term is a combination of words “estuary” and “museum.”…
Find out more »Nov 2024
An event every month that begins at 10:00 am on day First of the month, repeating until Jan 4, 2025
Lake Superior Estuarium First Saturdays
An event every month that begins at 10:00 am on day First of the month, repeating until Jan 4, 2025
The Lake Superior Estuarium houses family-centered exhibits that tell the story of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior and the communities on their shores. It also includes a classroom, meeting space and offices. The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient visitors to the largest estuary on Lake Superior and information to help anyone explore. An estuarium a is gathering place for learning and play. The term is a combination of words “estuary” and…
Find out more »An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Friday, repeating until Jan 17, 2025
Lake Superior Estuarium Open
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Friday, repeating until Jan 17, 2025
The Lake Superior Estuarium houses family-centered exhibits that tell the story of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior and the communities on their shores. It also includes a classroom, meeting space and offices. The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient visitors to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help anyone explore. An estuarium is gathering place for learning and play. The term is a combination of words “estuary” and “museum.”…
Find out more »The River Talks: Secretive Marsh Birds and Their Use of Allouez Bay
A group of 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. Attendees 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 habitat that they rely on with Tom Prestby, the Wisconsin Conservation Manager with Great Lakes Audubon.
Find out more »An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Friday, repeating until Jan 17, 2025
Lake Superior Estuarium Open
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Friday, repeating until Jan 17, 2025
The Lake Superior Estuarium houses family-centered exhibits that tell the story of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior and the communities on their shores. It also includes a classroom, meeting space and offices. The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient visitors to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help anyone explore. An estuarium is gathering place for learning and play. The term is a combination of words “estuary” and “museum.”…
Find out more »An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Friday, repeating until Jan 17, 2025
Lake Superior Estuarium Open
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Friday, repeating until Jan 17, 2025
The Lake Superior Estuarium houses family-centered exhibits that tell the story of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior and the communities on their shores. It also includes a classroom, meeting space and offices. The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient visitors to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help anyone explore. An estuarium is gathering place for learning and play. The term is a combination of words “estuary” and “museum.”…
Find out more »An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Friday, repeating until Jan 17, 2025
Lake Superior Estuarium Open
An event every week that begins at 10:00 am on Friday, repeating until Jan 17, 2025
The Lake Superior Estuarium houses family-centered exhibits that tell the story of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior and the communities on their shores. It also includes a classroom, meeting space and offices. The exhibit hall includes a play area for young children, maps to orient visitors to the largest estuary on Lake Superior, and information to help anyone explore. An estuarium is gathering place for learning and play. The term is a combination of words “estuary” and “museum.”…
Find out more »
