Monarch Butterfly Field Day
All proceeds from these events & workshops go toward historic restoration and preservation –
play a part in saving the historic maritime structures on Plum and Pilot Islands!
Science and adventure on Plum Island!
Would you like to be a Citizen Scientist? Take a cruise across Death’s Door to an island wildlife refuge and learn about Monarch butterflies? Participate in a fun family-friendly activity?
The Friends of Plum and Pilot Islands (FOPPI) are hosting our first Butterfly Cruise! You’ll learn fun facts about the Monarch butterfly, their migration and the role this part of the country plays in it as well as what we can do to protect these fragile creatures.
You will get a chance to net the butterflies, apply a monitoring tag them, and trace their migration south to aid scientists in studying their population and migration patterns.
*Learn more about monarchs, their migration, and the tagging and tracking process at Monarch Watch* external
Your adventure begins at Gills Rock where you’ll board FOPPI’s boat, The Shoreline for a trip to Plum Island, which houses a former Coast Guard and lighthouse facility. The island is now part of the Green Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
Date for the cruise: September 13, 2025
Time: 1:30pm - 4pm
Transportation: The Shoreline from Gills Rock to Plum Island
Cost: Adults (Ages 13+) $50
Children (Ages 12 & Under) $25
Cruises depart from:
The Shoreline Marina
12747 Highway 42
Ellison Bay, WI (Gills Rock)
Round trip transportation from Gills Rock to Plum Island aboard The Shoreline is included with ticket price.
The Fine Print
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All Field Days, Volunteer Workdays, and Workshops are weather-dependent. Our Volunteer Coordinator will confirm prior to the event. Partnered events (Festival of Nature and Lighthouse Festival) are subject to their cancellation policies.
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Personal protective equipment and safety training will be provided.
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Work includes traveling over open water of Lake Michigan aboard FOPPI’s charter boat, The Shoreline.
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Tasks may include bending, heavy lifting, walking long distances over uneven terrain, and standing for long periods on hard surfaces.
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Supervised minors are welcome to sign up but must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.