Our Island Summer

Mallard Island’s summer of 2020 is coming to a close. We were able to hold smaller yet successful weeks in the month of August including a modified week for Stewards of the Wilderness and their faculty ambassadors. Archives Week was attended by five and consisted of a deeper assessment of Ober’s maps, as well as a taste of Anishinaabe net fishing and traditions offered by Pebaamibines. Meanwhile, the hummingbirds stole the summer and successfully hatched two little hummies fondly named “Sissy” and “Buddy.” We watched them learn to fly and grow up quickly! We can tell that the animals noticed the lessened human impact, and we had sightings of otter and hare, whitetail deer and active songbirds and all bird life, including mergansers, loons, eagles, herons and ravens. Did others notice the improved water quality in this region?  Program weeks officially ended on September 5th and now the close-up volunteers will do their work. We all sincerely hope that 2021 allows for easier sharing of Ober’s legacy: a lifetime of stories, values and the history on Mallard Island!

[Ober’s Big House, photo taken by Dick Isenhart, August of 2017]