There was a nice turnout for a workday at the “Wildflower Sanctuary” on Devil Track River, near Hedstrom Lumber Company on Sunday, August 16. Six people came out to weed and trim and work on paths through the wildflowers. Bob Vornbrock, Maxene Linehan, Jim and Rebecca Wiinanen and Chris and Anne Hegg took part in beautifying the wildflower beds originally created by the Grand Marais Garden Club. Another workday will be held Sunday, Sept. 21 at 10 a.m.
The “Wildflower Sanctuary” on the Devil Track River has been a lovely place to visit for at least 50 years. The Cook County News-Herald included information about the area as long ago as July 13, 1961 with this tidbit of news: The lady slippers, Minnesota state flower, are in bloom at the wildflower sanctuary on the Gunflint Trail.
The Wildflower Sanctuary near Hedstrom Lumber Company had been cared for by Grand Marais Garden Club volunteers through the years and as Garden Club members aged, the sanctuary fell into disrepair. In 2011, a major effort was undertaken to remove mature aspen trees that were blowing over and becoming hazardous. The Gunflint Trail Scenic Byway Committee and Hedstrom Lumber teamed up to remove the trees and to expose the wildflowers that were being overshadowed by the trees and brush.
Since then, there has been a renewed effort to keep the walking paths clear and to keep invasive species out. The purpose of the Wildflower Sanctuary is to provide a place where residents and visitors alike can learn the identity of wildflowers in Cook County.
A workday at the Wildflower Sanctuary is scheduled for Sunday, September 21 at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome!
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