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A Lovely Spring Morning at Frog Bay Tribal National Park

5/19/2025

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A group of hikers standing on the shore of Lake Superior at Frog Bay.
Photos & narrative provided by Neil Howk.
On Sunday May 11, Ted May from the Chequamegon Audubon Society led a group of ten hikers and birdwatchers on a beautiful walk through the Frog Bay Tribal National Park. The 175-acre park features a large tract of boreal forest, the mouth of Frog Creek, and almost 4000 feet of Lake Superior shoreline. 
Ted started the walk on the footbridge spanning a large ravine where we heard Black-throated green warblers and Ovenbirds singing in the trees.

​Then the group proceeded to the “Easy Trail”, a 0.4 mile walk down an old roadbed leading to the beach. This path through the boreal forest quickly provided a feast for our eyes and ears. 
A small group of hikers standing on a metal bridge with a wooden deck.
Ted May kicking off the bird walk.
Hikers on a gravel trail looking up into the trees.
Look up! What is that bird?
Hikers on a gravel trail looking down at the Merlin app on their phones..
Look down! The Merlin app will ID that birdsong!
We heard white-throated sparrows, black-capped chickadees, blue-headed vireos, black-throated green warblers, black-and-white warblers, a Magnolia warbler, and a special treat, a black-throated blue warbler. 
Since the deciduous trees along the trail were just starting to leaf out, we had some good opportunities to view these colorful little birds. The black-throated blue warbler was kind enough to pose for several minutes in the lower branches of a tree near the trail where even the hikers without binoculars were able to get a good look at him.

Upon reaching the beach, the hikers enjoyed a view of five of the Apostle Islands…Bear, Oak, Stockton, Hermit, and Michigan. They also saw a pair of bald eagles and a sharp-shinned hawk. ​
An adult and child looking for birds in the forest.
People of all ages can enjoy birding!
Lake Superior forms a barrier to hawks flying north on their spring migration. Upon reaching the lake, hawks follow the shoreline to the west end of the lake before continuing their journey to the north. 
After walking the beach, a few of the hikers hung out longer on the beach and returned to their cars on the Easy Trail, while Ted led the others on the longer trail back to the trailhead. 
​
The one-mile Ravine Trail provided a bit more challenging hike through the park’s forests and ravines filled with large hemlock and a mix of birch, pine, cedar and other trees through the ravines.

By the end of the hike, the group saw and/or heard 20 different species of birds on this fine, early spring day!
Three hikers at the base of a huge tree.
Big roots for a BIG TREE!
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Enjoy the Salmo Poetry Trail May 30th to June 7th

5/11/2025

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Small sandy area on the shore of Lake Superior
Shore view at the end of the Salmo trail.
As you stroll the easy 1-mile walk to and from the Lake’s edge, enjoy a few poems from present and past poets laureate along the way. Trailhead/parking located 2.5 miles south of Bayfield on the east side of Hwy 13, opposite the Fish Hatchery. Poems will be posted May 30–June 7, 2025.
Wooden boardwalk through a lush green marsh area.
Marsh wetland on Lake Superior shore.
Trail through a green forest.
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The Birds Showed off During the Season’s First Guided Hike

5/11/2025

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A Blue Heron approaching the rookery
A Blue Heron approaching the rookery behind the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery building.
Blue Heron, Warblers, Kinglets, Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers, Winter Wren, Greater Yellowlegs and American White Pelicans were among the birds a group of northwoods bird and trail enthusiasts observed on May 3, while enjoying Bayfield Area Trails’ and Chequamegon Audubon Society’s first co-sponsored nature and bird walk of the year. 
Led by Neil Howk, the group met in the parking lot of the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery in Bayfield, where Neil had set up a spotting scope so participants could get an up-close view of a Blue Heron rookery, with at least eight nests, in the trees to the south of the hatchery office.
Heron nests high in the trees
The Heron rookery can be seen behind the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery. Click image to enlarge.
For the next 90 minutes, while the group explored the trail through and behind the hatchery, herons came and went overhead while working on their nests.  Once the nests are complete, the heron will lay 3-6 eggs, which hatch in about a month.  After birth, the chicks usually stay in the nest for about 60 days.
Warbler on a branch with water in the background.
One of the many Warblers. Click image to enlarge.
In addition to the herons, the group observed a variety of birds along the trail.  Some made appearances, like the warblers, flitting from one tree to another, but others could only be heard.

At one point, Neil paused and called attention to the song of some winter wrens.  While smaller than the house wren and generally not seen in the open, the small brown winter wrens make up in song volume for what they lack in size and visibility. 

​Some spring ephemerals were also starting to emerge along the trail, most notably some bloodroots.
Another highlight of the day’s walk came on the Salmo Trail, across Highway 13 from the hatchery that follows Pike Creek out to a Lake Superior beach.  There, the group was lucky to spot a flock of American White Pelicans.  Flying north towards the lake, the flock flew almost directly overhead, providing great viewing for the group. 
6 White Pelicans flying against a blue sky.
White Pelicans flying over Lake Superior.
Pelicans historically were plentiful in Wisconsin, but their numbers declined dramatically in the early 1900s.  Fortunately, their numbers are rebounding, and sightings have become more common in Bayfield County.
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Be sure to check the Bayfield Area Trails’ schedule of events for dates of future nature and bird walks.
People walking on a trail through the forest.
Walking along the trail to the Red Dam. Click image to enlarge.
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Nature Walks in May Celebrate World Migratory Birds

4/27/2025

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A group of bird watchers standing on a trail bridge looking toward the sky
​This May, Bayfield Area Trails and Chequamegon Audubon Society are co-sponsoring a series of free nature/bird walks to highlight the importance of the Bayfield area as resting habitat for migratory birds. The series of guided walks will help celebrate World Migratory Bird Day.

Early May is the time when the pace of migration in northern Wisconsin begins to accelerate. A variety of kinglets, sparrows, thrushes, flycatchers, waterfowl, and warblers reappear in forests and along waterways in the area. The trails will also feature spring wildflowers bursting into bloom.
The walks will begin at 7:30 am. They will cover one to two miles and last about one-and-a-half to two hours. Participants should bring binoculars, wear stout waterproof boots, and be prepared for a variety of weather conditions. Trails may be muddy. The Gil Larsen trail includes four creek crossings.
A group of hikers at the Brownstone trailhead
Let's go birding on the Brownstone Trail!
The theme of this year’s event is “Shared Spaces: Creating Bird-friendly Cities and Communities.” Chequamegon Audubon members and local birders Neil Howk and Ted May will take turns leading the following walks:

May 2025 Scheduled Walks

May 3 – Meet at the parking lot of the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery to hike along Pikes Creek on the Salmo Trail and the Angler Access Trail.

May 10 (the official World Migratory Bird Day) – Meet at the Big Ravine Trailhead on Washington Avenue in Bayfield to hike the Gil Larsen Trail. Bayfield has participated in Wisconsin’s Bird City program since 2012. The Bird City designation is a conservation program that recognizes communities that support birds and their habitats. 

May 11 – Meet at Frog Bay Tribal National Park in Red Cliff.

May 17 - Meet at the parking lot of the Les Voigt Fish Hatchery to hike along Pikes Creek on the Salmo Trail and the Angler Access Trail.

May 18 – Meet at the Jerry Jolly trailhead parking lot on Star Route.
​

World Migratory Bird Day 2025 promotes the importance of a healthy coexistence between humans and birds by focusing on creating bird-friendly communities and cities. The campaign will raise awareness about the challenges migratory birds face due to human activities and urban development, promoting conservation and the creation of bird-friendly environments within our made-made communities. It advocates for various actions from citizens, such as planting native flowers and gardens and transforming urban areas into sanctuaries for migratory birds.
Hiker walking along a gravel road at the hatchery
It's always fun at the Fish Hatchery!
The public is invited to explore several beautiful area trails on these free guided walks!
Hikers standing in the forest looking toward the sky at Frog Bay
Lots to see at Frog Bay!
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UPDATE: 4/29 Big Ravine’s Pine Bluff and Hemlock Trails OPEN

3/9/2025

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April 29, 2025 UPDATE: These trails have reopened for hiking. If you encounter wet or muddy sections, please follow Mud Season Principles:
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Yup, it’s that time of year again when thawing and freezing create icy and muddy conditions. These conditions can pose safety risks for extended periods, especially on steep slopes. And, when things aren’t icy, the trails get muddy. Walking on muddy trails is not only slippery; trail use can also cause substantial impact to the trail tread or may widen the trail as people try to avoid muddy sections. Resulting damage requires follow up maintenance and may not even be repairable.
Temp trail closure sign on the Pine Bluff Trail.
Click to enlarge.
Map showing Pine Bluff and Hemlock Heights trail closures.
Click to enlarge.
Due to steep slopes, narrowness, and general environmental sensitivities, the Pine Bluff and Hemlock Heights Trails in the Big Ravine are now temporarily closed until end of mud season.

Please respect these closures!

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2024 Annual Report is Now Available

1/20/2025

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Volunteers placing a french drain across the Brownstone Trail
What a year!!! In 2024 the Bayfield Area Trails volunteer workforce of more than 60 individuals logged over 3300 hours planning and implementing projects in 16 trail locations between early May and mid-November. THANK YOU ALL!
 
Read all about it in the Annual Report where you will see photos and information about:
  1. Field Project Highlights
  2. Bayfield Peninsula Trails Plan
  3. Frog Bay Tribal National Park Trails Plan
  4. Red Cliff to Bayfield Trails Feasibility Study
  5. Economic Impact Study and Trail User Surveys
  6. Budget Reports about Project Funding and Operational Funding
  7. Trail Use Statistics
  8. Trails Subcommittee
  9. Communications Subcommittee
  10. 2025 Priorities and Upcoming Plans
  11. Volunteer Opportunities
VIEW 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
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Houghton Falls Nature Preserve Project

12/9/2024

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Group of volunteers standing around the refreshment table.
Keeping the crew happy with snacks!
The Town of Bayview, Landmark Conservancy, and Bayfield Area Trails send a BIG THANK YOU to all volunteers who helped with trail work at Houghton Falls Nature Preserve on Saturday November 9th! 
Together, the volunteers laid over 15 yards of new gravel on worn down sections of the trail which further helps direct recreators where to go and prevent the trail from becoming too wide. The Town of Bayview leadership especially appreciated the help to steward this much-loved property!

A special thanks to Washburn residents Brad Dryer and Pete Warren who helped move gravel a bit faster, and to Mike Bunch for providing tasty snacks! Before winter, the Town hopes to finish one small section of boardwalk.  ​
Volunteers using a machine to move boardwalk timbers.
Bob Feyen uses new power wagon to transport boardwalk timbers.
The Houghton Falls Trailhead
Trail entrance looks like NEW!
View of finished gravel work and boardwalk section.
No more wet or muddy feet!
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Gil Larsen Trailhead Excavation Work

11/10/2024

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Mud and water in an excavated area of the Gil Larsen trailhead
Gil Larsen Trailhead Sluiceway Cleanout
If you head out on the Big Ravine’s Gil Larsen Trail on Washington Ave. across from the library in Bayfield, you will see excavation and dirt work. The City’s Public Works Department has cleaned out the drainage and catchment structure in front of the sluiceway that directs water through a culvert down to the lake. This maintenance work was required after several high runoff events deposited woody debris, rocks, and sediment that threaten to obstruct the stormwater system. 

In the near-term the grassy slope at the trailhead will be reseeded and the gravel trail in front of the interpretive signs will be cleaned up. The City is consulting with restoration specialists to determine the best steps to reestablish desirable vegetation and stave off invasive species in the floodplain. The large dirt pile will stay until the access trail is refurbished into a gently-sloping path next year.

For the long-term, the City is requesting funding from the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program to conduct an integrated analysis and plan for the recreational and public works infrastructure in the lower Big Ravine. The analysis would evaluate current structures and strategies for capturing debris and managing water flow into the sluiceway. The entire project would take into consideration climate change, changing flow regimes and creek morphology, diversified trail users, universal accessibility, and low-cost maintenance approaches for the trail and water management. If funded, the assessment and planning project would begin in 2025, with the goal of starting implementation in 2026.

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The Upper Pileated Woodpecker Trail is Open & Ready!

10/20/2024

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During September and October, Bayfield Area Trails Committee partners contributed lots of time, equipment, and energy to prepare the Upper Pileated Woodpecker Trail for hikers and snowshoers this fall and winter. And now it’s ready for YOU to enjoy!
 
The trail can be accessed at the start of the nordic ski trails at Mount Ashwabay. A trail sign marks the start of the trail and provides information about distances to trail intersections and the Pikes Creek bridge.

Although the trail between the bridge and the fish hatchery is still closed to public use due to a  land ownership dispute, it is a nice 1.8-mile hike to Chickadee Point and 2.2-mile hike to the bridge, making it about 4.5 miles round trip from Mount Ashwabay. The fall colors may be starting to fade, but the grouse are still drumming and the woods are peaceful.
If you make it to the bridge you will see signs of the high water overtopping the boardwalks and bridge during the June flood: woody debris on the upstream side and remnants of mud and leaves on the decking. The bridge is secure and intact; but there is cleanup work to do, once public access is reestablished.
Status Update on the Hatchery Access
Reestablishing public access behind the Les Voigt State Fish Hatchery remains a priority for the Wisconsin DNR. The DNR and Bayfield County are working on a land sale that would transfer three small parcels of property from the County to the DNR. This will be the first step toward reestablishing trail access. DNR continues to research the legal status of the old access road that had been used for many years for public access. The findings of this research will be pivotal in reestablishing access. The DNR recently met with the private landowner to convey their intent to reestablish public access.
Please continue to respect the trail closure until legal public access is reestablished. Thank you for your cooperation!
Generous support from Bayfield County Forestry and Parks donated John Mesko’s time and heavy equipment skills to repair the deteriorated skid road at the upper section of the trail as well as one day of a Fecon mulching machine to create a clean and smooth trail surface in the newest trail segment. 

Doug Olson and the Mount Ashwabay crew hauled several loads of rock to fill a drainage crossing. 
Ted May, Gene Lemmenes, John Ipsen, Kris Wegerson, Tracy May, Mike Kinnee and Jeff Martin put in the finishing touches by hand, clipping overhanging branches; digging out exposed trippy roots and stumps; cleaning up or fixing water diversions; and adding a couple small water diversions.

In addition to leading to Chickadee Point and Pikes Creek, the Upper PWT connects to the Jolly Long Loop and ultimately to the Jerry Jolly Trails. Follow the signs and discover the adventure out there!
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Brownstone Trail Repair Mission Accomplished

10/20/2024

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A total of 18 volunteers turned out for two beautiful autumn mornings to work on repairing the Brownstone trail below the Wild Rice Retreat on October 17th & 18th. The three amigas, Kris Wegerson, Cami Smalley, and Suz Thomson also worked on a segment near the Waterford Condos.
Thanks to everyone who made it happen! Crew Leaders Extraordinaire: John Ipsen & Kris Wegerson. 
Track Loader Operator, the magnificent Mark Frazer.

Hard working hand crew members who did it ALL: leaf raking & blowing, weed trimming, branch lopping, ditch digging, gravel raking, trail tamping, and culvert installing -
Terry Bauer
Bill Bland
Fred Clark
Nick Lunde
Dee Johnson
Kate Kitchell
Gene Lemmenes  
Erika Lang
​Tina Martin
Jeff Nelson
Scott Nesvold
Erik Scott
Paula Scott
Cami Smalley
Suz Thomson
​Thank you, donors! This would not have happened without donations of time and funding from Rex Dollinger, Mark Frazer, David Sonstegard, Viking Motors, Wild Rice Retreat, and two anonymous donors.
 
Crew leader John Ipsen remarked, “This was a pretty complicated project with lots of moving parts and players. But I’m always impressed at how advance planning, the right tools and equipment, and enthusiasm about the trails enables us to accomplish so much in just a few hours.”
 
I think we will call this “the year of Blue Brule” said Kate Kitchell. “We added 31 yards of this gravel in key locations on the west and east sides of the Big Ravine in late September; and now Dan Maki from Viking Motors brought us another 13 yards for the Brownstone Trail.” It’s amazing how the Bayfield Area Trails volunteers rally together to continuously improve the trails.
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