FOPPI Blog

James Myster, (now retired) USFWS Regional Historic Preservation Officer and Archeologist visited Plum Island on July 26th once again as a presenter for our Native American Presence on Plum Island Field Day. James worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs prior to USFWS and has a great interest in this subject. We hiked to the eastern side of the island to view the Niagara Escarpment and talk about the history of those that came before us. What did they eat? What kind of tool

In January of 1915 George E. Fox wrote an in-depth article in the Wisconsin Archeologist, he wrote: ‘On Plum Island, about the harbor at the northern end, is another village site, according to inhabitants of Washington Island. This is the one reported to the Society by Mr. G.A. West. Two other reports of early Indian cultivation from this vicinity are recorded in “A Record of Wisconsin Antiquities,” p. 320. One refers to cultivation on Plum Island.’ He also notes that ‘

Like many folks, my parents honeymooned at the Niagara Falls; probably not thinking one iota about the significance of this natural wonder. It probably didn't cross their mind that the Falls is part of the greater Niagara Escarpment that begins near Rochester, New York and continues as far south as Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, where I live. Truthfully, up until recently, I didn't think it was all that important either -- I thought of it as just another tourist trap. But, on

As what usually happens to me, I was searching for something else and found a box of photos of the early Plum Island years that I'd forgotten about. The box had photos of the original eagles' nest that was along the trail, the first Lady's Slipper I'd ever seen, the Dwarf Lake Iris, volunteers that have moved on, and those who still capture the magic that Plum Island has to offer. These photos are ancient ... taken on an old film camera ... the kind of pictures that you hope

Growing up in Milwaukee, the only bird calls that I could recognize where those on my uncle's clock. Each hour a different bird would sing their signature song and wait their turn for another 24 hours. Then I walked the trail across Plum Island and learned how sheltered I'd been. There is a symphony of birdsong in the natural world! Thanks to the Merlin app my level of knowledge continues to increase as I now have the (cheater) tool to recognize the call of a Cedar Waxwing

By Mary Beth Volmer "Indian habitations from 200 AD" I often tell folks that the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands are preserving the history of those that came before us, but I’ve failed to go back in time to those that came before the lights were built – the Native Americans. While they left no documentation, they left some signs of frequenting the northern Door area, including Plum Island. Washington Island resident, Dick Purinton has told me natives most likely used t

On June 15th a group of photography enthusiasts joined our friend, Dave Heilman on Plum Island to learn techniques to ‘find the light’. Guests left with a flash drive to practice the tips and tricks that they learned. FOPPI docent, Ginnie included history of the island and the work that the Friends are doing to preserve and restore the historic maritime structures as partners of the US Fish & Wildlife Service. Our next workshop is scheduled for September 21st. Guests leave Gi

Workshops on June 15th and September 21st Famed Door County photographer, Dave Heilman will be once again sharing his craft with us during two photography workshops on Plum Island. Come and join us! Throughout Dave’s career he has explored photography as a part-time hobby, a full-time profession and now an outlet for his passion in fine art landscape and nature. His art has hung in galleries and juried art shows and has been featured in national and regional publications. Da