Greetings Folks! The photo here was captured by Steve Waldron, the Naturalist at the Art and Nature Center this summer. Steve has returned to his "regular" job as a teacher at the Island school. The Center has closed and I do miss Steve's posts on the ANC Facebook page. So it was really good to come across this photo the other day. Thanks for letting me share, Steve. I know some of your other followers will enjoy this too! Although the weather is changing, Nature continues to surprize us with some beautiful scenery!
Driving along this week I noticed two recently placed signs identifying Nature Preserves on the Island -one on Town Line Road just west of the Stavkirke and one on Lobdell Point Road just up from the ferry dock.
Time for a Hike? Nice to see such lovely markers denoting Door County Land Trust sites.
Things Water Oriented... The three days or so of rain this past week were sorely needed. The land was nourished as we get ready for the Winter months but the shoreline continues to suffer. It was interesting to read a recent news article in the Chicago Tribune on near record lows for Lake Michigan water levels. It echoes the issues we face here on the Island. The same body of water which touches Chicago's shores meets our land up here. The near record low report by the US Army Corps of Engineers has encouraged Islanders and businesses on to started thinking ahead. These photos taken at Jackson Harbor and the State Dock speaks to the issue. Dick Purinton in his blog Ferry Cabin News writes about how ferry travel may be effected as we approach the Winter months, a time when I typically note lower water levels. In mind of that, the Potato Dock is being prepared in case the ferries are unable to land at their usual location. 
Ferry Schedule Changes That reminds me: starting today the ferry schedule has changed to a six boat a day schedule with runs roughly every other hour from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Consult the ferry schedule for specific times. This also means that mail that needs to leave the Island has to be at the Post Office by 7:45 am to make the mail run on the 8:00 am ferry. One Last Sale... or Two...
AKA Cleaning out to Settle in - Part 2 or is it 3?
Have used Books, Videos, or DVD’s to share?Please consider donating them to the Art and Nature Center to sell to raise money to support the ANC budget. Bring them to the ANC on Friday, Oct. 26, from 2-4 pm or call Laura Waldron 7-2657 or Barb O’Connell 7-2436 for pickup. Then come and shop: Saturday morning from 9am-Noon! Stock for fall and winter reading! Check out the works of the late artist Janet May that will be for sale.
Island Style News - Another Island Business' season is coming to a close. Anna Gibson is saying "Thanks" for a great 2nd year with a nifty Sale at her shop just up from the Ferry Dock @ Hansen's BP Station. She plans to be open from Friday 10/26 thru the last day of October. For specific hours do check her sign near the front door. Stop on by!
Don't Forget! Community Halloween Party/Silent Auction - this coming Friday, 10/26 @ Karly's Hall- For the Party: Do note children Preschool age or younger are invited for 4:30 - 5:30 pm. All other ages are welcome from %:30 through 7:00 pm. The Silent Auction closes @ 7:30 pm. This event continues to be a major fundraiser for the Washington Island Preschool. Much time and organization not to mention lots of lifting and toting goes into the evening. We have a class of eight students this year. Patricia Hewitt is their teacher. Drop in to join in the fun at the Party upstairs. Then come downstairs to the Cellar to see what treasures are available at the Silent Auction. Thanks to the many,many Island retailers, Preschool fans and merchants on the Peninsula side who donate their goodies.
The leaves up in the trees are fewer but worth a look! Have a great week!