The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve, a program of the UW–Madison Division of Extension, and Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve are proud to celebrate AmeriCorps member Callie Grones, who has been named a 2026 AmeriCorps Member of the Year.
This honor is part of the Governor’s Service Awards, which recognize outstanding national service members who are addressing critical needs in communities across the state. Grones serves the Superior region through the Marshfield Clinic Community Corps and has made a lasting impact through her work at the Lake Superior Reserve.
Grones was selected for her significant contributions to environmental stewardship, community engagement, and education along Wisconsin’s Lake Superior coast and the St. Louis River estuary. Her work has supported meaningful change in both ecological health and community connection to natural resources.
Among her accomplishments is her role in helping coordinate and monitor the return of Ishkode, or cultural fire, to Wisconsin Point. She has also co-hosted accessible Everyone Can Bird programs during migration seasons, expanding opportunities for people of all abilities to experience birding and connect with the outdoors.
Grones has strengthened community science efforts as well, organizing the annual Christmas Bird Count and leading volunteer stewardship projects. She has coordinated more than 100 volunteers to remove invasive species and clean up nearly 600 pounds of trash from Wisconsin Point—helping prevent debris from entering Lake Superior and protecting coastal habitats.
In addition to her fieldwork, Grones plays an important role in communicating the value of research and education efforts in the St. Louis River estuary. She appeared in the PBS television show “Into the Outdoors!”, sharing her efforts to monitor seedling trees planted on estuary islands to replace ash forests lost to the emerald ash borer.
Grones’ service has also demonstrated resilience and leadership during challenging times. When her AmeriCorps position was abruptly terminated in 2025, she helped raise awareness about the importance of national service through media interviews with the Duluth News Tribune. In response, the Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve pooled funds to support a temporary position, allowing her work to continue. AmeriCorps positions were reinstated later that year, and Grones has now served with the Friends and the Reserve for nearly two years.
Callie was nominated for the award by Friends of the Lake Superior Reserve Board member Will Mowchan, who emphasized both her impact and the importance of service like hers. “Work like this and people like Callie who do it so well are more important than ever for our country,” he said. “She is a worthy recipient of the Governor’s Service Award.”
This recognition highlights the unique partnership AmeriCorps and Extension have in strengthening communities, advancing environmental stewardship, and supporting resilient ecosystems.