The St. Louis River is the largest river in the United States flowing into Lake Superior - the largest surface of freshwater on earth. Here at the headwaters of this superlative freshwater system, researchers and natural resource professionals are working to sustain diverse coastal ecosystems, both above and below the water. Come learn about the St. Louis River estuary at the Lake Superior Estuarium, Superior, WI, where beautiful interactive displays tell stories of the St. Louis River Estuary, Lake Superior, and the communities on their shores. Second, travel to the working waterfront to visit the Ballast Water Testing facility operated by the Lake Superior Research Institute at UW-Superior to learn about large scale efforts underway to protect the Great Lakes from introduced aquatic species. Third, wrap up your visit at the epic Lake Superior beach of Wisconsin Point, where staff at the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve are working to reduce the impacts of non-local plant species for a future resilient coast.
Duration: 4 hours
Activity level: Moderate (partly inside; walking on uneven and unpaved ground)
