This talk will highlight Oberholtzer's work to save the entire Quetico-Superior watershed. "Ober", as his friends called him, led the battle against industrialization of the wilderness area this is today the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and the Quetico Provincial Park in Canada. The program will also include an overview of Mallard Island in Rainy Lake, Ober's home for 50 years. On the National Historic Register and protected by a permanent conservation easement, the island is used today as retreat center by the Oberholtzer Foundation. Ober was a native of Davenport from a German immigrant family. Come honor a true Davenport hero!
Mary Swalla Holmes is a photographer, writer and group facilitator. She has been affiliated with the Oberholtzer Foundation and Mallard Island for over 20 years. Swalla Holmes is currently the Vice-President of the Oberholtzer Foundation and will become the curator of the photography collection this year. She is an avid canoeist and traveler to wild areas. She lives in Madrid, Iowa with her husband and their flock of 6 laying hens.