Friends of the R.D. Pike Building

08/10/2026

August 10 and the grounds look spectacular folks. The Dahlias are blooming with exotic names like "Ivanetti", and "Café au lait", and "Miranda Mikayla". The geraniums are bold red and beautiful. The first salmon color gladiolus are starting and the Canna Lilies have begun their late summer bloom. C'mon out and peruse the re-creation of what was here at the turn of the 20th century! Nice job by the garden crew as they reawaken history!

07/26/2026

One of the greatest parts of this historic restoration effort, is being able to talk to, listen to, and laugh with- KIDS. They ask great questions, have vivid imaginations and they laugh like mad when you joke with them about fish. They are the future and we need to listen to them and encourage them! Great crowd today at Washburn Brownstone Days and we thank them for their solid organizing and promotion. Even on a pretty warm day, we had visitors for the entire 6 hours. Kept us lively and on our toes with questions on construction, diaries, hiking trails, staff, facility history, bats and of course... FISH! Loved it.

07/25/2026

Here at Brownstone Days in Washburn, Wisconsin. Come see us, it's a gorgeous day. Let's talk about fish hatcheries!

07/20/2026

This Saturday, July 25th, come join us at Wikdal park in Washburn for the annual Brownstone Days! We'll be on site from 10a.m. to 4p.m. We will give you updates on the restoration effort at the R.D. Pike Building and share more history, talk about the fish currently at the hatchery and just generally have a fun visit! Come find us and say hi!

07/19/2026

The Alba Roses were gorgeous and we hope you got to see them (and smell them!) in all their glory. The day Lilies are coming on strong and the gorgeous Dahlias are just starting to bloom. C'mon out and get an eye full! Thanks to our grounds and gardens folks. Outstanding as always!

07/06/2026

Gorgeous!

06/29/2026

They're here! Come see the Alba Roses as they do their annual bloom. Gorgeous and just getting started. North ring near the driveway at the Bayfield State Fish Hatchery.

06/27/2026

A really nice shout out from our friends at visitashland.com! Thanks folks! Side note, the Alba Roses will begin their beautiful bloom next week. C'mon out and enjoy them!

06/21/2026

The second installment!

https://www.thealpenanews.com/opinion/2026/06/the-invention-of-great-lakes-offshore-sport-fishing-part-2/

During the late 1960s, the DNR’s Fisheries Division of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) turned an aquatic wasteland into one of North Americas’ most sensational recreational fisheries. In doing so, the DNR harnessed a disastrous alewife invasion and restored a balanced ecosystem in our ...