Field Trip #1: Garden Island Excursion

Description

NOTE: This trip is weather dependent at the discretion of the captain. If canceled, a full refund will be provided, and participants will be transported to a site selected by an expert field trip leader.

Garden Island: The island has a long Native American history and is recognized in the Treaty of 1836 with Washington. Approximately 2 miles north of Beaver Island, it is now uninhabited but at one time was home to Native Americans who farmed, fished, and harvested maple syrup. Later European immigrants arrived and established a town called Success with a post office. This island is designated a Wildlife Research Area and is under the management of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Division.

Dr. Nancy Seefelt: Nancy is a Michigan native who grew up in Sterling Heights, near Detroit. After high school, she enrolled at Central Michigan University (CMU) and discovered Beaver Island when she took a class at the CMU Biological Station. Nancy received her B.S. and M.S. degrees from CMU, and her doctorate from Michigan State University. She currently holds a faculty position in the Biology Department at CMU. Much of her research focuses on avian ecology, specifically the breeding biology of waterbirds (gulls, terns, herons and cormorants) in northern Lake Michigan and the stopover ecology of migrating songbirds along Lake Michigan shorelines. The migration work involves censusing, mist netting, and remote acoustical monitoring; the acoustic monitors also track the sounds of migratory bats. In addition, Nancy monitors the breeding activities of the endangered Piping Plover as part of the recovery program for this species.

This trip will depart and return from Paradise Bay Diving Co. dock across from the Beaver Island Lumber Company. Passage to Garden Island will be aboard the Resolute with Captain Mike  and crew. You’ll be back in time for a quick lunch before heading out for an afternoon adventure. Options include the Concession Stand at the BIC Center  and the Shamrock (both nearby) or The Wild Strawberry Café (about a 20-minute walk towards the Whiskey Point Lighthouse).

WoW 2026 T-shirts: After your registration(s) are processed you will receive a discount code good for one free Warblers on the Water T-shirt. You must complete your t-shirt order by May 5. T-shirts will be delivered at the Meet & Greet Kickoff Event Friday evening. One free shirt per participant. Additional T-shirts may be ordered at the BIC Center online store for $20. All orders after May 1 are subject to stock on hand.

Please note our cancellation policy: Cancellations made by 5:00 p.m. on April 17, 2026 will receive a 50% refund. No refunds will be made for cancellations after that time.