About the Hiawatha Interpretive Association
The Hiawatha Interpretive Association provides the public with interpretative, educational and informational opportunities that add to the public’s use, enjoyment and understanding of the natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources of the forest.
What We Do
We have enhanced enjoyment and understanding of the Hiawatha National Forest, including Grand Island National Recreation Area. We also assist the United States Forest Service by providing financial support to provide the public with interpretive, educational and informational opportunities that add to the public use, enjoyment and understanding of the natural, cultural, historical and recreational resources.
Become a Member
Our members are what keeps us going. They have made a number of significant contributions toward the mission of the Hiawatha National Forest including funding for internships, educational programs, signage for historical landmarks, and more!
Use our trip planner to
Plan your next Adventure (Coming Soon)
Are you planning an upcoming adventure? Being prepared is one of the most important parts in any hiking or camping trip. Use our resources to help enhance your overall experience.
Helping today
Check out our newsletter!
Sign up for our newsletter to stay on top of current events, upcoming projects, classes, and volunteer opportunities.
Fill out the form!
Want to Volunteer?
If you are interested in volunteering for the Hiawatha Interpretive Association, give us your contact information and we will reach out to you asap!
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Timeline photosAre you interested in collecting cones for cash? The Hiawatha National Forest is accepting cones for purchase from October 1, 2022 - January 1, 2023. In general, cones should be free of twigs, branches, needles, etc. Excessive amounts of these things will require estimates of reduced volumes of cones and lead to reduced payment. Cones should not have insect bore holes. Cones should be stored in a cool, dry location and should be delivered as soon as possible after collection. Avoid storing cones in a 5 gallon bucket since they will mold.Red Pine cones should be collected through October 10th. Acceptable red pine cones are purple, brown, or yellow to brown and closed. If the cone is squeezed it should be hard, not soft. Unacceptable red pine cones are open or have an green color.
Hemlock cones should be collected through October 14th. Acceptable hemlock cones are closed. If the cone is squeezed it should be hard, not soft. Unacceptable hemlock cones are open.
For more information, visit us online at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hiawatha/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1059149
Timeline photosCheck out this red-spotted newt!What's the difference between a newt and a salamander?
Newts are actually a specific type of salamander that lives part of its life on land and part of its life in the water.
Juvenile newts, like this one, are called "efts."
Newts can be hard to find, but you can definitely spot plenty of wildlife on the Hiawatha:
www.fs.usda.gov/activity/hiawatha/recreation/natureviewing/?recid=13267&actid=62
Timeline photosSpend your days in the great outdoors while making a difference in a great career with the Forest Service!The Hiawatha is hiring for land management positions and more!
Realty Specialist (Entry-level considered): www.usajobs.gov/job/669615400
Survey Technician (Entry-level considered):
www.usajobs.gov/job/669661400
Special Uses Administrator:
www.usajobs.gov/job/669606900
Apply at USAJobs.gov.
Learn more here:
www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/jobs
Timeline photosThe Hiawatha is hiring! You can make a difference in your home forest with room to advance!You can apply for several open positions from now through Monday the 15th on USAJobs.gov.
More information here:
www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/jobs/hiring-events/2022-Lands-National-Hiring-Event
Timeline photosIt's #NationalPlayOutsideDay, and the Hiawatha has many ways to play outside!So come release your inner child - hop on a bike, play in the mud, catch a frog, jump in a lake, run through the grass, get dirty and have fun!
Find your fun here:
www.fs.usda.gov/recmain/hiawatha/recreation
Timeline photosWorking in the forest is a dream job for many, and there are several positions open right here on the Hiawatha!Federal jobs are advertised on USAJobs.gov.
Here are some tips on how to apply and write a federal resume:
www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/jobs/next-steps
Gotta love the tree huggers!
Timeline photosThe Hiawatha National Forest is hiring!Today through August 15, you can apply at USAJobs.gov.
Applying for a federal job can be somewhat complicated, so here is a guide to help you navigate the process:
www.usajobs.gov/help/faq/application/process/
More at:
www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/jobs/hiring-events/2022-Lands-National-Hiring-Event
Timeline photosLake sturgeon were nearly wiped out a century ago due to logging and commercial fishing, so now the Hiawatha National Forest and the Northern Research Station are using DNA and modern technology to help them come back from the brink.Full article here:
www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hiawatha/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD1043419
Timeline photosIf gas-powered fun is what you're into, the Hiawatha has over 2,000 miles of Forest Road open for motorized use!Find more info here:
www.fs.usda.gov/activity/hiawatha/recreation/ohv
And find Motor Vehicle Use Maps here:
www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hiawatha/maps-pubs/?cid=FSEM_033530
Timeline photos#WaterSafetyWednesday - Considering a paddle on Lake Superior? Don't be a statistic: Plan ahead! Bring the right equipment or contact an outfitter!
E-WASTE COLLECTION!Alger County E-Waste Collection will take place on Friday, June 17th and Saturday, June 18th in the Munising Middle/High School parking lot.
See the attached flyer for details.
Timeline photosSummer is here, which means blueberries are here!Blueberry bushes are heliophytes, which means they grow well in burned areas - these maps will show you the best spots to go berry picking. Please harvest responsibly.
www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hiawatha/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD642041
And don't forget a forest map!
www.fs.usda.gov/main/hiawatha/maps-pubs
A great upcoming opportunity …. Warbler Wonderland Guided Bird Tour
Schoolcraft Conservation District (SCD) is hosting a free, guided, spring migratory bird tour this Saturday, May 21st. Participants will car pool to pre-selected sites. Area birders and people with interest in learning a diverse group of spring migratory birds are welcome to attend. For new and avid birders this is a great opportunity to add warbler species to your life lists.
Please meet at Manistique High-Middle School parking lot by 7:30am until Noon. If there is interest a second tour, same time frame, will occur on Sunday, May 22nd.
Registration is not required. For further information you may call Schoolcraft Conservation District at 906-286-2890
Free Image on Pixabay - Bird, Wings, Feathers, Beak, Nature
pixabay.com
Download this free picture about Bird Wings Feathers from Pixabay's vast library of public domain images and videos.Timeline photosAre you a student, aged 16-21? Looking for a summer job working 32 hours per week with the public and learning administrative skills? We're hiring for Munising/Rapid River/St. Ignace! See the poster for more details, and call today!
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.John has been grooming. Very disappointed that Skate Skiers decided to go backwards on G trail (old E Trail. Boomer) leaving ridges and gouges going the wrong way on downhill, therefore messing up the trail right after John groomed it. It is hard enough to maintain the trails at this time of the year. Tracks should be on your right side and we do have a lot of signs telling you do not enter. Please be considerate and maintain good ski etiquette. Thank you.
Timeline photosMarch is #WomensHistoryMonth. It's also the Peace Corps' anniversary. U.S. Forest Service - Hiawatha National Forest Zone Silviculturist Marjorie was a Peace Corps volunteer, starting a reforestation training in South America. She's also served the U.S. Forest Service for almost 25 years. Thanks for your dedication to public service, Marjorie!
Timeline photosNow that we have your attention! As you look forward to the rapidly approaching spring and camping season remember we need your help in protecting tress from tree-killing bugs! www.dontmovefirewood.org/
Timeline photosU.S. Forest Service - Hiawatha National Forest is hiring two GS--0462-10 Timber Sale Administrators, 1 each in St. Ignace and Munising/Rapid River. The vacancy announcements went live today as part of a multi-forest hiring event, including other technician positions nationwide. Check it out! www.fs.usda.gov/main/r9/jobs/openings
Timeline photosKnow someone looking for a summer job? Apply now to be an Americorp Natural Resource Steward hosted by Hiawatha National Forest! Apply through Huron Pines AmeriCorps huronpines.org/americorps/The Natural Resource Steward is tasked with building and leading a soil disturbance monitoring program in collaboration with a Forest Soil Scientist. Field data from this program is used to ensure the Forest Service is implementing timber harvests in a way that maintains healthy soils. The member will also be responsible for rehabilitating a native wildflower interpretive garden at the St. Ignace Ranger Station in collaboration with a Forest botanist. Competitive candidates for this position will have prior soil/watershed experience, experience with GIS and GPS devices, have the ability to hike off-trail while carrying field equipment, and work in hot, open field sites. Learn more here: huronpines.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/USFS-Nat-Res-Steward-22.docx
Attention Foresters! The Hiawatha is hiring a Forester (Silviculture) in Munising. The vacancy opened today: www.usajobs.gov/job/638987600. Apply early as the vacancy could close early if max number of applications is received!
Timeline photosSummer plans? Apply now to be an Americorp Natural Resource Steward hosted by Hiawatha National Forest! Apply through Huron Pines Americorps huronpines.org/americorps/
Photos from U.S. Forest Service - Hiawatha National Forest's post
Way to go, Mark Bender!
Eligibilities & Qualifications Webinar 1/27/22 | US Forest Service
Eligibilities & Qualifications Webinar 1/27/22 | US Forest Service
www.fs.usda.gov
Eligibilities & Qualifications Webinar Thursday, January 27, 2022 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. EST Looking at a Forest Service job, but not sure if you qualify? Learn about a wide range of hiring paths that ...
Timeline photosAttention Civil Engineers! Hiawatha National Forest is filling the following 5 vacancies. Apply on USAJobs January 27-February 7, 2022. Learn more here: www.fs.usda.gov/main/r9/jobs/openings1 – GS-0810-12 Assistant Forest Engineer
3 – GS-0810-9/11 Civil Engineers
1 – GS-0810-7/9 Civil Engineer
Timeline photosTomorrow Hiawatha National Forest will advertise five vacant engineering positions on USAJobs. The vacant positions are: 1 – GS-0810-12 Assistant Forest Engineer
3 – GS-0810-9/11 Civil Engineers
1 – GS-0810-7/9 Civil Engineer
Learn more about the hiring event here: www.fs.usda.gov/main/r9/jobs/openings
Timeline photosHave you signed up?! Time to reserve your skis or snowshoes for our National Winter Trails Day event! Learn more: www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hiawatha/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD985364
Timeline photosReminder for those considering holding an event or operating a service on National Forest System lands -- permit deadline are quickly approaching for summer 2022 special uses! Learn more on our website and then contact the District Ranger. www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hiawatha/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD988260
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Sometimes we need to take off our skis when we don't feel safe going down a hill or a equipment failure. So if that happens to you please follow this. At no time should you just go out and hike our trails. Additionally never do the Snowshoe or Fat Tire bike trails without snowshoes. It takes a lot of effort and money to provide ski trails, fat tire bike trails and snowshoe trails. You walking on these trails is not Cool. You destroy the trails. Thanks for being considerate.
Just tie on the snowshoes and blaze your own trail. Enjoy the solitude.
Timeline photosWe have updated the map for Valley Spur Ski Trail to include the "V" trailhead/parking area. Check out our website: www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/hiawatha/recreation/wintersports/recarea/?recid=13347&actid=91
Timeline photosReady for some cross country skiing?! As the season gets rolling, check back regularly for updated ski trail conditions reports: www.fs.usda.gov/activity/hiawatha/recreation/wintersports/?recid=13267&actid=91
Timeline photosSaturday Safety Note: Planning an OHV outing on the national forest this week? Know before you go -- check our forest MVUM maps for open motorized routes and always think safety first! www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/safety
1,200-year-old canoe recovered from bottom of Lake Mendota
1,200-year-old canoe recovered from bottom of Lake Mendota
www.wxpr.org
An incredible archaeology find at the bottom of Lake Mendota has been making headlines across the state.One of the people who lead the effort to bring the 12-hundred-year-old canoe to the surface is a...Timeline photosWinter is on the way! If you might need to plow a Forest Service road for access or hauling, please check out this safety reminder and contact the zone engineer for a permit: www.fs.usda.gov/detail/hiawatha/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD968574
Timeline photosA week from now will be the eve of rifle season opener! Welcome hunters! We encourage you to "know before you go". For instance, did you know only temporary blinds are allowed on national forest lands, and that they must be taken down after the season? www.fs.usda.gov/activity/hiawatha/recreation/hunting
Here’s a little helper for identifying eagle coloring as they mature. Keep looking up!Everyone seemed to love this chart so I am re-posting it again. “Recognizing Bald Eagles” Here is an interesting assembly of Bald Eagle’s heads as a function of age. Chart from www.avianreport.com
Posted by Michael Weiss
Timeline photosBats are in trouble! Bat populations have been devastated by white-nose syndrome.Today, white-nose syndrome kills bats in 33 U.S. states and 7 Canadian provinces. You can help reduce the spread: If you visit a region affected by white-nose syndrome, decontaminate your equipment, and don't visit caves during winter, when bats are hibernating.
Learn more: ow.ly/tW4N50Gzk8Q #BatWeek
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Smokey for Kids | Smokey Bear
smokeybear.com
Visit Smokey for Kids to learn how to prevent wildfires through fun games and activities for kids.This summer, critical progress was made on the multi-year Au Train River project thanks to partnership crews working alongside Hiawatha employees. Check out this success story to learn more: www.fs.usda.gov/inside-fs/delivering-mission/deliver/paddling-paradise-au-train-river-restoration.... 🛶
“It’s the first day of autumn! A time of hot chocolatey mornings, and toasty marshmallow evenings, and best of all, leaping into leaves!” -Winnie the Pooh (Pooh’s Grand Adventure) Fall is a beautiful time to visit the Hiawatha National Forest! Overall, color change began early this season. Currently, northern areas are at approximately 25% peak while the southern parts of the Forest are closer to 15% peak. Check out some bright reds and oranges beginning to pop along Salt Point Road.🍂🍁