FOPPI Seeks Island Volunteers

Dusty Hoffman (center) of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will lead several workdays with the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands. Photo by Jim Lundstrom.

The Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands (FOPPI) have announced their 2017 workday volunteer opportunities. Transportation will be provided on the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service boat (from Washington Island).

Seating in the boat is limited, so contact the volunteer coordinator as soon as possible to reserve a spot.

Due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances, workday itineraries may change prior to the workday – watch the website (plumandpilot.org) and Facebook page for updates.

May 6-7: First workdays of the season. Volunteers will assist with cutting and stringing the dock boards, replacing the boat cleats and ladder. There is also plenty of trail work, beach patrol and various other projects. Eight to 36 volunteers are needed. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Paul Schumacher, [email protected].

May 20-21: Projects may include light trail maintenance, beach patrol, building and grounds maintenance in preparation for the next weekend’s Door County Nature Fest guests. The FOPPI Women In Preservation will place benches and boot brush stands on the trails and will clean the boathouse. Eight to 36 volunteers are needed. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Paul Schumacher, [email protected].

June 3-4: International Migratory Bird Fest. Join the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and FOPPI for an extraordinary birding event. Public transportation to Plum Island will be made from Gills Rock and Washington Island. Opportunities include guided birding hikes with expert birders and observing trained bird banders as they capture, band and release birds. This is a family friendly event.

June 10-11: Lighthouse Festival Stop on Plum Island. Greet visitors from across the country and share the heroic rescue stories of those who served on Plum and Pilot Islands during the 24th annual Lighthouse Festival. Docent material will be provided. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Tim Sweet at [email protected]. Two to four volunteers are needed. The FOPPI Women in Preservation will learn about power tool safety and construct personal toolboxes for future projects. Watch the Facebook page for more news.

June 24-25: Plum Perfect. Work with Park Ranger Dusty Hoffman to add signs for the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Volunteers are also needed for building, beach and trail patrol, grounds maintenance and various other projects. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Amanda Danforth at [email protected]. Eight to 36 volunteers are needed.

July 15: 2nd Annual Sunset Cruise. The Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands invite you on a sunset cruise through Death’s Door passage. Enjoy close-up views of Plum and Pilot Islands, part of the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Learn about the lighthouses and the unique historical maritime structures found there, and help with the campaign to restore and preserve them.

July 22-23: Work on projects to get the island ready for the annual membership picnic. Projects may include trail maintenance, beach patrol, grounds maintenance and interior boathouse painting. Eight to 16 volunteers are needed. The Volunteer Coordinator is Jim Schwartz, [email protected].

July 29: Annual membership picnic. Join us for a free picnic in the grove as a thank you for supporting FOPPI with gifts of time, treasure and talents. Tour the historic structures, view the preservation work and learn about the work planned for the future. Meet the current board of directors and participate in voting in the new board members. Not a member yet? Membership is available at plumandpilot.org.

Aug. 12-13: Overnight volunteer event. Join the Women In Preservation on their second rustic overnighter. It will include working with a biologist for a bat count. There are openings for eight to 24 people. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Amy Lesjnak, [email protected].

Aug. 19-20: Explore Plum Island Days. Follow WIP mentor Jonathon Ringdahl on a canoe/kayak trip along the Plum Island shoreline. View the gorgeous Niagara escarpment cliffs, the various island eco-systems, and shipwrecks. Volunteers can have their vessels transported across from Washington Island on the USFWS boat; others may paddle over. The event is open to the public.

Sept. 8-9: Batten Down the Hatches! Help get Plum Island closed down for the winter. Women In Preservation will establish a base year Monarch count and broadcast milkweed seeds in the pollinator patches. Eight to 16 volunteers are needed. Workday Volunteer Coordinator is Jim Schwartz, [email protected]. WIP Coordinator is Mary Beth Volmer, [email protected].