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A Busy May Day Weekend at the Gil Larsen Trailhead

5/16/2021

Overheard at the beginning of the Gil Larsen Trail on Saturday morning May 1st:

“Bare roots are pretty friendly when you get the hang of it.”
“You’ll probably need three diggers and a bucket person.”
“Pick a spot and commit!”

What was going on? Sixteen Bayfield Area Trails volunteers gathered Saturday morning, May 1, to plant native bare root trees in the area between the Gil Larsen Trailhead and the Iron Bridge. The volunteers were guided in the ecological restoration project by Nile Merton and Michael Sinclair of Bay Area Environmental Consulting.

Michael explained that the goal was to re-establish the area’s historic plant community that is intended to persist over time. This goal is balanced with cultural goals and objectives, i.e., the new trees will not be so tall as to obstruct the view of the Iron Bridge.

The volunteers divided into small groups and worked in four zones, planting 210 trees including red osier dogwood, white cedar, winterberry holly, black chokeberry, and high bush cranberry. Nile predicted about a 90 percent survival rate.

Matt Carrier said the opportunity to work outside as a volunteer during 2020 and early 2021, “has been a highlight.” He continued, “Look at all these people! It’s great to see everyone working together to create this huge community asset.”

Volunteer Bill Bland reiterated that it was great to see so many people show up to work together on a beautiful Saturday morning in May. “I can’t wait for the buds to show up,” he said.

Many, many thanks to the Apostle Islands Historic Preservation Conservancy for funding this restoration project.

Nile Merton from Bay Area Environmental Consulting explains how to plant bare root stock.

Volunteers busy planting bare root trees and shrubs.

Right on the heels of the planting project came the installation of four new interpretive signs at the Gil Larsen Trailhead on Sunday May 2nd. Thanks to Bob Durfey, Neil Howk, and Gene Lemmenes for digging, assembling, and setting up the signs that will now be enjoyed by visitors and residents for years to come. The visitor will first encounter a sign about the historic apple shed and the William Knight house. After climbing the steps, there are three more signs filled with information about Big Ravine trails, cultural history, and natural features.

Three new signs installed at the Gil Larsen Trailhead.

Neil Howk remarked “It has been rewarding to be a part of this project from start to finish. I hope that the information presented on the signs will help everyone to appreciate how special the Big Ravine Preserve is.”

Thanks to the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program for funding these new signs.