09:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Day four finds us having to make the return trip across Lake Superior to the peninsula, but this won't occur until the afternoon. The morning will be spent exploring more of the island. We will cover areas of interest we didn't get to the previous day.

We will also take some time to discuss the Crystalline-Rock Aquifer, which runs under the western part of the peninsula. We will look at the difficulty in getting groundwater to the surface in a region where the igneous and metamorphic rock dominate this part of the peninsula.

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

12:30 - 02:30 p.m.

While waiting for our return trip to the U.P., we will discuss the numerous environmental studies that have been taking place at the park. One study in particular, that of the wolf/moose ecology, has been on-going for over 42 years!

The park also provides us a look at the recovery programs of the bald eagles and ospreys that reside on the island. Widespread use of DDT created a near fatal decline in these bird populations and the park provides the opportunity to witness their recovery without the interference of human activity.

One othe bird which garners much attention is the loon. Through the monitoring of the loon population unique to the isle, it has been determined that loons are most affected by humans during their nesting period. Loons have been known to abandon their nest when contact with them was too close. We will see signs which require us to stay at least 100 yards away from loon nesting areas.

It is the studies I already mentioned and many more which make the isle a great place to discuss environmental science and how humans can be a positive or a negative influence when it comes to the environment.

03:00 - 07:30 p.m.

We will take the ferry ride back to Copper Harbor aboard the "Isle Royale Queen III". While we make our way across the lake, we will review the day's activities. Preview of next day's activities to include a weather discussion with interpretation of satellite, radar, surface and upper air analysis to reinforce some of the material from our Meteorolgy courses.

Day 5