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About the Friends of Plum & Pilot Islands

"Where History and Nature Meet at the Door."

Our Mission

The mission of the Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands is to partner with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to support the preservation, restoration, maintenance, and contemporary use of the historic resources on Plum and Pilot Islands, and to conserve and protect wildlife resources, while providing opportunities for quality wildlife-dependent recreation.

Vision

Preserving the memories of those who came before us.

Core Values

We believe that preserving and restoring the historic maritime structures on Plum and Pilot Islands is important to Door County to preserve this community’s culture and heritage.
 

We support US Fish & Wildlife’s BIG SIX priority public uses: Hunting, Fishing, Wildlife Photography, Wildlife Observation, Environmental Interpretation and Environmental Education.

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We believe that volunteering is important to improve community life, to give back, to learn, to get connected to other people, and to enhance the human spirit of giving.

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We believe it is vital to sustain the unique ecosystem of the island through conservation and educational efforts.

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We value our members, donors and volunteers and strive to use these resources responsively.

Impact

Our mission goes beyond the work that we do on the islands. We are a member of the greater Door County community and do our part to protect the environment and be a responsible member of this fine community.

We Advocate Sustainability By:
  • Following the ‘Leave no Trace’ principles (https://lnt.org/)

  • Shopping Locally whenever necessary for our merchandise

  • Valuing Diversity and Inclusion

  • Protecting our waters by using special paint on The Shoreline boat hull to prevent the attachment and spread of aquatic organisms, including invasive species

  • Conducting regular Beach Patrol hikes to collect and properly dispose of flotsam that washes up along the shoreline

  • Stationing boot brush stands at areas of contact to raise awareness about invasive species and to reduce the spread and establishment of new infestations of invasive species

We value our community by being a  part of the following events:

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We are invested in the future of our community by working with the Washington Island School as they develop their STEM program, by bringing the children to Plum Island to learn about the Monarch butterfly migration.

Board of Directors

Our board of directors is comprised of dedicated volunteers
who passionately believe in FOPPI's mission.

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Photo of a woman smiling
Mary Beth Volmer
President (Term Expires 2026)
Friends of Plum & Pilot Islands
Refuge Manager
Vacant
US Fish & Wildlife Service

MEET OUR BOARD

FOPPI BOARD MEMBERS:

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  • Serve a three-year (renewable) term

  • Lead a team with financial responsibility to our members and donors

  • Are a vital part of the decision-making process to save the historical maritime structures on Plum and Pilot Islands

  • Are eligible for US Fish & Wildlife Service Refuge training, online and at the National Conservation Training Center in Virginia

  • Have access to board and volunteer team leader-only events 

  • Have a seat at the table for strategic refuge planning 

  • Graduate to an Emeritus Member after serving their term

  • No term duration or term limits

  • Are a vital part of the decision-making process to save the historical maritime structures on Plum and Pilot Islands

  • Are eligible for US Fish & Wildlife Service Refuge training, online and at the National Conservation Training Center in Virginia

  • Have access to board and volunteer team leader-only events 

FOPPI VOLUNTEER LEADERS:

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Emeritus Directors

Mike Brodd
Lew Clarke
Frank Forkert
Matt Foss
Eric Greenfeldt
Scott Nelson
Amanda Danforth

Jude Kuenn

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Dan Olson

Hoyt Purinton

Tim Sweet

Gordon Vieth

Patti Zarling

​John Sawyer

Gary Wilson

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