Fox Island Nature Center Committee Meeting Minutes
4 February 2016
Attendees: Ed Burrough, Nan Feagin, Philip Craven, Terry Wall and Terry Mace.
The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m.
Old Business:
- Ed reviewed the work accomplished in December and January work parties, during which we spread wood chips, removed a section of a fallen tree blocking the trail to the nurse log, and cleared fallen branches from trails. The fallen tree was probably over 100 years old. We discussed putting a plaque on the tree noting the date it came down and its approximate age.
- Terry Wall showed the committee a prototype for a tri-fold Nature Center brochure. We approved the general format and discussed putting a map on one side with labeled arrows pointing to interesting features in the Nature Center.
- Ed presented for discussion ideas for an instruction binder for leaders of groups using the Nature Center. The binder could include:
- Who owns Fox Island Nature Center and a history of ownership.
- Why is it a wetland? What is a wetland and how does that influence what lives there?
- Are the plants that live there native? What does “native” mean?
- Has the property always been like this? Have fires or other events changed it over time?
- What animals live here? Are any of them dangerous?
- Why stay on the trails and not pick plants?
- Are any of the plants edible or are some dangerous and should be avoided?
- Does the Nature Center change during a year?
- Why don’t the same plants grow everywhere?
- Where does the stream come from? Is it perennial?
- Philip reported that his efforts to clean the brass sign on the notice board were mostly successful. Now the question is how to protect it.
New Business:
- Ed started a discussion of the 2016 Kid’s Photo Exhibition. We decided that publicity should start early, probably in April for a May or June photography class. We will contact VBS, the UCC, and boy/girl scouting to try to get more participants.
- We still have a need for plastic mesh bags for chips on the trails. Several volunteered to contact local grocery stores for bags.
- Philip will look into repairs for the slatted bench near the double picnic tables. As for the other picnic tables throughout the Nature Center, they need clearing to make them more accessible.
- We discussed options for the raised beds in the entry area. One idea is to clean them up and see what native plants survive.
The next work party is Saturday, February 20 at 9:00 a.m. and the next meeting is Thursday, March 3 at 7:00 p.m. at the Nichols Center.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m.