Twenty-two Apostle Islands lie off the Bayfield Peninsula in Lake Superior, the largest and most pristine of the Great Lakes.The National Lakeshore includes twenty-one of these islands and a 12-mile segment along Wisconsin’s north coast. Colorful Precambrian sandstone eroded into cliff formations, sea caves, and a collection of sandscapes, including sandspits, cuspate forelands, tombolos, a barrier spit, and numerous beaches. The lakeshore is at the continental northwestern limits of hemlock-white-pine-northern hardwood forest as well as elements of boreal forest. This diversity provides habitat for nesting and migratory birds, and a variety of mammals, amphibians, and fish. The park provides a scientific laboratory for researchers to study. The Great Lakes Inventory & Monitoring Network, academics, and park scientists all spend time on a variety of projects to better understand and monitor the natural world of the Apostle Islands. You can find a variety of technical reports and resource briefs below. ![]() Geology
The Apostle Island archipelago's sandstones were deposited during the late Precambrian era, about one billion years ago. ![]() Wildlife
Island environments, naturally isolated, provide important habitat for numerous bird species, mammals, amphibians, and fish. ![]() Plants
Apostle Islands lies in the tension zone between the boreal and temperate forests, giving them an ecosystem that is unique in North America. ![]() Climate Change and Sustainability
Although the Apostle Islands appear unchangeable, several forces contribute to shape the lakeshore. ![]() Minisan (Islands)
Connecting Ojibwe Ecological Knowledge and Climate Change in the Apostle Islands. ![]() Non-native Species
The spread of invasive species is a major factor contributing to ecosystem change and instability. Resource BriefsThese technical reports are produced by staff at the Great Lakes Inventory & Monitoring Network and other scientists working in the Apostle Islands. Source: Data Store Saved Search 3442. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store. |
Last updated: March 28, 2022