Great Lakes islands provide critical habitat for native biodiversity & support rare & endemic natural communities. A diverse assemblage of over 32,000 islands occurs across the Great Lakes, constituting the world’s largest collection of freshwater islands. The crown jewel is Isle Royale. In this presentation, we will provide an overview of our ecological surveys of Isle Royale National Park, which is managed by the National Park Service, a key partner for this endeavor. This research was funded by the EPA through Michigan’s EGLE. We will describe our methods for prioritizing natural community targets & share stories of some of the most difficult but rewarding field work of my career. The presentation will showcase the ecological splendor of Isle Royale including the rugged volcanic shoreline replete with arctic-alpine disjuncts, the ominously named “Swamp of Sadness”, expanses of majestic old-growth forest, & the rarest natural community in Michigan, sandstone bedrock glade. With over 40 days of ecological adventure under our belts & the fruit of the elusive lingonberry in our bellies, we will conclude our presentation of ecological & botanical discovery with lessons learned from our intensive island experience.
