Join the St. Louis River Alliance and partners for an evening exploring the vital role coastal wetlands play in the St. Louis River Estuary and how invasive and hybrid cattails are changing landscapes such as Allouez Bay. Staff from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will share updates on ongoing restoration work in the bay (specifically the Allouez Bay Marsh Bird Habitat Restoration) and what these efforts mean for habitat, water quality, and the long-term health of the river.
Special guest speaker Kelly Beaster, plant ecologist, will highlight the ecological functions of coastal wetlands, introduce unique plant and wildlife species found in the peatlands behind Allouez Bay’s cattail marshes, and discuss some of the practical uses of cattails. Following the presentation, participants are invited to enjoy a family-friendly cattail weaving activity with local hobbyist Katie Schmitz, who will guide a simple craft that explores one of the many creative ways cattails can be used.
