What makes a wetland healthy, and what happens when invasive cattails take over? Community members of all ages are invited to explore those questions at Restoring Wetlands in Allouez Bay: Cattail Talk & Weaving on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 4:30–6:30 p.m. at the Superior Public Library.
Hosted by the St. Louis River Alliance and partners, the free event is a chance to learn about restoration happening right here in the St. Louis River Estuary — and why healthy coastal wetlands matter to the river and the people and wildlife that depend on it.
Coastal wetlands like Allouez Bay provide important habitat for birds, fish and other wildlife. They help keep water clean and support a healthy St. Louis River and Lake Superior. But in parts of Allouez Bay, invasive and hybrid cattails have spread into thick stands, crowding out other plants and changing the habitat. Local partners are working to improve that habitat.
Staff from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will share an update on the Allouez Bay Marsh Bird Habitat Restoration Project, including work to manage cattails and create a greater variety of wetland habitat for birds and other wildlife.
Plant ecologist Kelly Beaster will also share what makes coastal wetlands special, introduce some of the plants and wildlife found around Allouez Bay, and explain how cattails can change a wetland. Beaster has worked in Allouez Bay since 2015 and has more than 10 years of experience studying and restoring wetlands along western Lake Superior.
After the presentation, local hobbyist Katie Schmitz will lead a simple cattail weaving activity. Kids and adults can get hands-on with one of the wetland’s most recognizable plants and learn about some of the ways cattails can be used.
The goal of the evening is simple: to give people a fun, welcoming way to learn about the place they live and the restoration happening around them. Free sandwiches and snacks provided. Bring the family, ask questions, make something and learn a little more about Allouez Bay and the St. Louis River.
The event is part of the St. Louis River Alliance’s River Revival Series, a monthly series highlighting what is happening on the St. Louis River and giving community members opportunities to learn, connect and get involved.
Event Details
Restoring Wetlands in Allouez Bay: Cattail Talk & Weaving
Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026 from 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Food served at 4:30 p.m. | Presentation begins at 5 p.m.
Superior Public Library @ 1530 Tower Avenue, Superior, WI 54880
Free and open to all ages
Learn more: https://www.stlouisriver.org/events/restoring-wetlands-in-allouez-bay-cattail-talk-weaving
River Revival events are presented in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and Lake Superior Headwaters Sustainability Partnership, with generous funding provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
