2014 Apostle Islands Internship

The Project

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The 2014 internship team researched and published "A Field Guide to the Apostle Islands." This specific expedition's student team consisted of all science majors. The Field Guide provided a comprehensive natural and geologic history to the Apostle Island archipelago, a detailed background and illustrated identification guide for local wildlife and plants, and provided maps of each island using GIS software highlighting water depths, as well as both natural and recreational points of interest. 


The Route

Day 1: Arrived at Bayfield, Wisconsin, explored the town, learned sailboat/navigational basics. 

Day 2: Departed Bayfield, WI. We practiced navigational, safety, and sailing maneuvers, then anchored at Stockton Island to conduct wildlife and botanical research. Students worked with the Ranger to collect data on the island.

Day 3: Departed Stockton Island, visited Devil's Islands and explored the sea caves, then anchored at Rocky Island. Geologic and biological studies continued.

Day 4: Departed Rocky, then anchored at Sand Island to hike and get a tour of the lighthouse. Geologic and biological studies continued. 

Day 5: Returned to Bayfield


Meet the students

Megan Betcher

Megan Betcher is from Red Wing, Minnesota and is pursuing a B.S. in both Wildlife Management and in Natural Resources Management at the University of Minnesota – Crookston.   In her free time Megan enjoys nature photography, hunting, fishing, and spending time in the great outdoors.  This was Megan’s first sailing adventure, but she hopes to do more sailing in the future.

Margaret Obear

 Margaret has earned her Associates of Science in Geology in El Paso, Texas and her Bachelor of Science in Geography, with a minor in Earth Science, from University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Her career in taxidermy allowed her to gain an unique understanding of the economic factors required to maintain exotic and endangered species in the face of relentless poaching and poor management.  She has traveled in the American Northwest, Southwest, Everglades, Carolinas, and Gulf of Mexico observing the flora, fauna and geology with great pleasure and reverence for the natural world around us. For more information about her visit margaretobear.com

Sara Dominicak

Sara is working towards her B.A. in Environmental Studies at Bellarmine University. She has become the secretary of the schools environment club which aims to create a more sustainable campus and educate the students about environmental issues. 

Julissa Betting-Fuentes

A Minnesota native, Julissa is a current student at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, she plans to graduate in December of 2014 with a degree in International Business. Her college career has led to several educational and professional experiences prior to working with Global Treks and Adventures. In 2012-13, Julissa spent a year studying abroad in Peru at La Universidad del Pacifico.  While there, she also gained experience by running a pop-up restaurant in Lima’s San Miguel District. In addition to her experiences in Peru, Julissa has worked as the Globalization Assistant in the international department at Fastenal in Winona.


the INstructors

Kyle Herdina

Jen Herdina


Photos