Partner Profile: Friends of Hika Bay
John working the field to prepare for tree planting.
One of LNRP’s longest-running “friends” group are those of Hika Bay, in Manitowoc County. John Kirsch and Russ Tooley, both of Cleveland, help spearhead the group and with their collective impact, the Friends of Hika Bay (FOHB) emerged from the Centerville Creek Restoration Citizen Advisory Team in 2010. Since its inception, the group has been working hard to monitor water quality, focus on invasive species removal and control, and create community involvement with work days and educational seminars. With their vision to sustain stewardship of the lakeshore, their main focus is to restore and enhance the watersheds in Manitowoc County known as: Hika Bay, Centerville Creek, Point, Pine and Calvin Creeks.
Informational signs at Centerville Creek
The FOHB plays a significant role in the Centerville Creek restoration project which proves that change on a local level can affect broader thinking on statewide issues. “For the past eight years, FOHB has sponsored four or more interns to study water quality trends in 5 southeastern creeks that empty into Lake Michigan,” said Russ, “last year’s sampling showed that the Centerville Creek Restoration Project has made a measurable difference in improved creek water quality.”
Leo, John's dog, on the Fischer Creek Conservation Area Trail
When asked what accomplishments the group is most proud of, John commented, “The restoration of the landscape and expansion of habitat, the increased sightings of songbirds and other wildlife, and the observation of visitors to the restored areas, enjoying nature with family and friends”.
LNRP is proud of our partnership with the FOHB, and we know John and Russ agree. “LNRP’s shared staff resources approach permits building on the energy of our local watershed group,” expressed Russ. “LNRP had a tremendous impact on the implementation of the Village of Cleveland Master Plan goal “To manage a healthy, natural environment through the preservation and protection of key natural resources,” added John.
Goals for the next year are to continue managing and maintaining the restored areas. This is a never-ending task but offers rewarding work and experiences in the outdoors. FOHB would like to get to know the human visitors, provide more signage and infrastructure to educate and guide so that the landscape will be preserved and enjoyed by both wildlife and people. To get involved or to make a donation towards the restoration, please contact Jenn at LNRP.
Russ Tooley (middle) attends a workshop on invasive species removal
The opportunities these connectors to Lake Michigan provide for the communities that surround them are beyond imaginable. They not only feed Lake Michigan, they feed our work and, in partnership, create a healthy shoreline in Manitowoc County. LNRP is truly grateful for the Friends of Hika Bay!
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