On October 7, the St. Louis River Alliance hosted a Full Moon Gathering on Wisconsin Point, bringing community members, project partners, and storytellers together under the rising moon to reflect on the past and future of Allouez Bay and Wisconsin Point.

*Attendees enjoying a self guided walk on the Makwa Ziibiins Miikana, or Bear Creek Trail, on Wisconsin Point.*

The evening began at Lot 1 with a self-guided walk along Bear Creek Trail (Makwa Ziibiins Miikana), where visitors explored recent upgrades and learned about ongoing habitat restoration efforts. Due to wind, we met in the parking lot for a short program where Kris Eilers, SLRA’s Executive Director, welcomed attendees and introduced the team, including partners from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the Lake Superior Headwaters Sustainability Partnership. Kris shared that this event was taking place to connect to the history of Wisconsin Point and Allouez Bay while also connecting with the folks leading the restoration, to help place a face to the agency. Molly Wick with the Wisconsin DNR then shared how full moons are often seen as a time to celebrate, express gratitude, honor nature, and look ahead — fitting themes for an evening dedicated to community connection and restoration.

Participants learned about the history and evolving vision for Allouez Bay, discussing historical maps and a community vision board that illustrated potential future conditions. Project partners shared updates on the Allouez Bay Marsh Bird Habitat Project and how community voices will be able to help guide Phase II design features of this project. This project aims to enhance habitat for wildlife and strengthen coastal resilience.

*Ashla Ojibway sharing about the efforts to return Ishkode, or fire, to Wisconsin Point.*

Kris and Molly then lead a discussion inviting participants to reflect and share what they love about Allouez Bay and Wisconsin Point, why this place is important to them, and what their hopes and dreams are for these special spaces into the future? What we heard is that people love the ‘birds’, ‘wildlife’, ‘old pines’, ‘water’, ‘plant medicines’, and that many want to keep these areas ‘quiet’ and relatively ‘undeveloped’. These conversations are a vital part of how restoration work moves forward. Hearing directly from community members helps project partners better understand what people value most about these places. By listening to local voices, the St. Louis River Alliance and partners can ensure that restoration and design efforts reflect community priorities and honor the deep relationships people have with this landscape.

*Attendees taking in the full moon rising over Lake Superior on Wisconsin Point.*

As the moon rose over the lake, the evening transitioned into storytelling. Ashla Ojibway, Manoomin Restoration Research Technician and member of the Fond du Lac Band, shared about the Nimaawanji’idimin Giiwitaashkodeng and the effort to return Ishkode (fire) to Wisconsin Point. Attendees learned how red pine and blueberries are a fire dependent species that rely on burns for peak production, and that these types of burns will help manage invasive species so many plant medicines can return.

We took a short break to enjoy the full moon on the beach - in awe of Lake Superior’s beauty. We then circled up closer around the fire as Fond du Lac elder Mark McConnell shared stories about the creation of Wisconsin Point and his family’s deep connection to this area including memories of his Great Grandma’s house.

*Mark McConnell sharing stories about Wisconsin Point.*

“Events like these are a special time to connect with each other, learn from each other, and create new positive memories along the water,” said Alyssa Johnson, SLRA Program Manager. “They remind us why the river and lake are so important, how they bring us together, and how we can work together to create a future where land and nature thrive together.”

Thank you to everyone who joined us and shared! Thank you to our presenters for the work you are doing and your passion for this place. Thank you to our partners with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Lake Superior Headwaters Sustainability Partnership for sharing about the restoration projects and your commitment to connecting with the community in new ways.

This event is supported by generous contributions from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

Get Involved & Share Your Input

You can learn more about the projects discussed on our Allouez Bay & Wisconsin Point Restoration Projects page.

Below are forms you can use to share your input, questions, or concerns:

Wisconsin Point Visitor Use Assessment (10-15 minutes): Asks “how do you use or want to use Wisconsin Point?”
River Activities Questionnaire (5 minutes): What activities do you want to experience on/near the water and what barriers prevent that? Feedback will inform SLRA’s 2026 event offerings.
Frequently Asked Question: share questions/concerns about St. Louis River
River Reflection Stories: share memories/reflections of the St. Louis River

Support the Alliance: