Former Wisconsin Governor and U.S. Senator Gaylord Nelson was a visionary conservationist who may be best known as the founder of Earth Day. His efforts to protect the Apostle Islands culminated in the establishment of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in 1970. A garden honoring Gaylord Nelson and his achievements is being planned for the grounds of the old Bayfield County courthouse, now the National Park Service Visitor Center in Bayfield. A ceremonial dedication of the Gaylord Nelson Memorial Garden is planned for 3 pm on April 22, 2006 (Earth Day) at the National Park Service Visitor Center at 415 Washington Avenue in Bayfield.
The garden will be located at the corner of Washington Avenue and Fourth Street, centered around the National Park Service sign and the flagpole, on land owned by the city of Bayfield. It will feature plants native to the region. The memorial garden will offer opportunities for education on an ongoing basis--in its immediate impact as well as its incorporation of concepts of stewardship and sustainability in its development and maintenance over time. A large volunteer effort, assisted by the Friends of Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and including participation of the Bayfield School and the Apostle Islands Academy is being organized to plant and maintain the garden.
The Earth Day dedication of the memorial garden will include introductory remarks by Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Superintendent Bob Krumenaker, reminiscences of Gaylord Nelson by long-time friend and associate Martin Hanson, a description of the plan for the garden by project coordinator Peggy Burkman, a short film about Gaylord Nelson, and the ceremonial ground breaking for the garden. Bayfield mayor Larry McDonald will assist with the ground breaking as an expression of the city?s support for the project. Refreshments will be provided. The public is invited to celebrate the legacy of this great man on the anniversary of one of his most significant accomplishments.
