Great Lakes islands provide critical habitat for native biodiversity and support rare and endemic species and natural communities. Many of these islands are remote, difficult to access, and challenging to survey. Despite limited access, they face a variety of threats including establishment and spread of invasive species and the impacts of climate change. Data about these islands is limited or outdated, which hinders effective decision-making and management. Over the past several years, Michigan Natural Features Inventory has collaborated with conservation partners to address this critical information gap by collecting baseline information on the current status of ecosystems on islands to help guide conservation planning and biodiversity stewardship. In this presentation, we highlight notable discoveries, discuss research opportunities, provide a framework for prioritizing biodiversity stewardship, and share the joys as well as the trials and tribulations of island hopping.