Fox Island Nature Center Committee Meeting Minutes
1 February 2018
Attendees: Ed Burrough, Philip Craven, Terry Mace, Tom Mann, and Terry Wall.
Guest: Jim Braden
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Ed Burrough.
Old Business:
A brief discussion continued regarding the property between the Nature Center and the Nichols Center.
Native plants were ordered from the Pierce County Conservation District (PCCD) annual plant sale including:
- Red Osier Dogwood (quantity: 40)
- Hooker Willow (quantity: 40)
- Flowering Currant (quantity 10)
Use of a blackberry herbicide available through the PCCD was discussed. According to the PCCD, people applying the herbicide must be certified before being allowed to apply the herbicide. Ed Burrough has agreed to find out more about the use and effects of the herbicide upon receiving an application form from the PCCD.
Terry Mace mentioned that it would help in maintaining the swamp area if plants were marked. There was also discussion about adding more willows in the swamp area in order to make the plants appear denser.
Philip Craven noted that salmonberry plants appear to be falling over, and suggested that these plants be given more support by the use of 2” x 2” stakes. Ed Burrough has agreed to bring tape while Philip Craven will bring plastic tubes to the next work party.
New Business:
A suggestion was made to begin eradicating the holly that currently exists in the Nature Center. This effort will be scheduled for a day other than a scheduled work party: Saturday, April 14th. A suggestion was made to seek help from some of the local scout groups.
Projects for the next work party on February 17th include:
- Dig out berries on both sides of the stream
- Stake some willow and dogwood plantings in the swamp
- Widen the trail back to the bridge and beyond
- Stake the Gary oak and big leaf maple plantings
Reminders:
- The February work party is scheduled for Saturday, February 17 at 9 a.m.
- The next FINC Committee meeting is Thursday, March 1 at 7 p.m.
- The March work party is Saturday, March 17 at 9 a.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Terry Wall