Day 4 of the Great Lakes Odyssey 2!

It was a wonderful day at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore—and we knew it would be the moment we met their team. The connection between interpretation, education, and resource management isn’t just professional… it’s a true community. The kind where people genuinely enjoy working together, support each other, and show up fully for students.

Today’s LiveStream was such a great example of that.

We had the absolute privilege of being joined by the Chief of Interpretation & Education and Resources (yes… both!), along with a biological technician, a park guide, multiple education technicians and specialists, and Ranger Erin from the Great Lakes Research and Education Center. Just an incredible lineup of people who care deeply about this place and the work they do.

Our big focus was the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid—tiny, but mighty in impact. While it hasn’t been found at Pictured Rocks (👏), the team is working hard to keep it that way. Monitoring, educating, preparing… doing everything they can to protect these forests before it ever becomes an issue. That kind of proactive care is powerful—and such an important story for students to hear.

And the best part?
They did all of this while being fun, flexible, and yes… a little silly with us. Because that’s how learning sticks. That’s how students connect. And today, students all across the country got to see scientists and rangers as real people doing really important work.

We’re so grateful for this team. Truly.

Next up—travel day! And then we head to Indiana Dunes National Park for the next big chapter of our Great Lakes Odyssey 2.

Let’s go.