Beaver Hollow Pavilion Electrified, Hotspot Added

With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing associated health risks of holding indoor events, the FNPCW leadership realized that the organization needed to adapt for the worst scenario, even as we hoped for a healthier future. Since 2014, the FNPCW has sponsored a very popular Wetlands and Wildlife Speaker Series, hosting 37 events at the Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center auditorium. The auditorium closed to the public just days before the planned March 2020 bobcat presentation.

Undaunted, the FNPCW decided to make infrastructure improvements to the Beaver Hollow facility to create a one-of-a-kind outdoor education and presentation venue. We now have electricity and lights, enabling presentations using electronic equipment, as well as evening events. The FNPCW purchased equipment for presenters’ use, including a 65″ TV that wirelessly connects to a laptop to display PowerPoint slides, Internet data, and video, and which works well even in daylight conditions.

Bayfield Wireless, a high-speed Internet service provider for our region, generously donated and installed equipment for a WiFi hotspot on the pavilion! This service will allow speakers to link to Internet resources in their presentations. Additionally, access to cell phone service adds a level of safety at Beaver Hollow. Cell service works reliably in the open area around the pavilion, but only extends 50′ down the boardwalk. The addition of the restroom was also necessary for hosting public programs at the site.

Creating this presentation venue would not have been possible without a host of generous donors, who we sincerely thank. Fifty-percent of the enhancement work was funded by member donations. The other half was funded by awards from the following organizations: the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) – Incinolet toilet for the restroom building, the Apostle Islands Area Community Fund of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation – electricity for Beaver Hollow, and the Fund for the Environment of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation – electronic equipment for presentations.

Outdoor presentations at Beaver Hollow will begin in the Spring of 2022! We will announce upcoming programs on our website, Facebook page, and in our newsletters, as we get closer to spring.