Dorothy Molter was more than just the "Root Beer Lady."

In addition to the famous homemade root beer that she sold to tourists, Molter, the last non-indigenous resident of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, was also a naturalist who loved birds.

In keeping with Molter's affinity for birds, an outdoor portion of the Dorothy Molter Museum in Ely, is being developed into "Birds' Landing at Dorothy's," a year-round community bird watching area.

"It ties in nicely with the Dorothy Molter story because she was a huge birder," said Sarah Guy-Levar, executive director of the Dorothy Molter Museum. "She really studied all of the animals that visited her island and wrote about them in depth."

Birds' Landing at Dorothy's is designed to attract nesting birds during summer, migrating birds in the spring and fall, and large flocks of winter birds.

Development began two years ago with installation of a perimeter fence, a bird wheel, and a number of bird feeders.

Birds' Landing at Dorothy's has already become a popular site for local bird watchers and tourists. Ely Community Resource summer children programs and the Vermilion Community College Natural Resource degree program, have utilized the site for educational purposes.

It's proven to be a popular site not only for bird watchers, but for a variety of wildlife.

"Last winter, right before a storm, we had hundreds of red polls come in," said Guy-Levar. "And what's really been fun is that we've had deer, wolf, black bears, fox, and even a Canadian lynx. A lot of our visitors are from areas where they don't get to see those types of animals, so it's really neat."

In addition to pathway access, visitors are able to drive past the site or park their vehicle to watch birds, said Guy-Levar.

By mid-summer 2016, the site will be landscaped and seating will be installed.

"For the Ely community, it will be an additional pocket park to visit and enjoy," said Guy-Levar. "And for visitors, it will be an opportunity to enjoy the birds and animals of the region."

Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board is supporting development of the site with a Culture and Tourism grant.

Pictured above: Visitors enjoy the community bird feeding area at Birds' Landing at Dorothy's.