OWLS Meeting

August 25, 2014

7:00 p.m. at

Hayden Wildlife Nature Trail

Present: Wilda Werner, Kathy Davis-Vrbas, Diane Vap, Diane Montgomery-Cox, Dalton, Ron & Liz Enfield, Dirk, Aiden, & Allison Ricker, Brenda Henry

The committee walked through the nature trail checking the condition of plants and the trail. The group was impressed with the condition of the memorial tree at the beginning of the trail. The west side of the sign needs to be repainted. Brenda will check with Kathy Leitner and her art classes to see if anyone is willing to take on the project.

The wire cages around the shrubs have provided protection and improved the condition of the shrubs along the path. The shrubs look good. Clarence has maintained the trail, which is in good condition. Musk thistle is growing along the path and around the tower area. Brenda will talk to Clarence to see what can be done about getting rid of it.

Dalton Enfield is working on an Eagle Scout project. The committee would like him to build a couple of small guzzlers to place in a couple of areas north and south of the tower. Dalton and the committee discussed several locations that might work. The areas north and south of the tower have tall grasses growing around them; and the committee talked about placing shrubs or shrub plies near the guzzlers for cover. Dalton and Brenda will take the guzzler plans to the Township Board for approval before anything is built. The guzzler project will be a good way to involve scouts or students next spring.

Kathy wondered if more birdhouses were needed at the trail. This might be a possible scout project. Brenda will contact George Potts for recommendations for the trail.

Dalton and Brenda will meet several times during the fall and winter to work on the guzzler project. The committee will meet again in the spring.