Clarifying the boundaries of the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary in the Thunder Bay River was a major topic when the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary Board met at its regular meeting at Alpena City Hall on May 18. Board members agreed that the 443.6-acre sanctuary within the Alpena city limits extends east from the Bagley Street Bridge by Sytek Park to the bridge on Chisholm Street (US-23-N).

Board members had talked in the past with local residents and realized that many do not know where the Wildlife Sanctuary is nor how big it is. There also are different boundaries and different names on maps and in pamphlets, reports and communications from other agencies. Hopefully clarifying the boundaries will lessen inconsistencies and confusion.

Other plans and projects were discussed. Mark Beins, Artist in Residence coordinator, announced that Sandra Murchison has been selected as the Artist in Residence. She is the director of the School of Art and Design at Eastern Michigan University and will be in Alpena June 1-17. Public presentations and a welcome potluck were planned.

Roger Witherbee reported the award of Conservation Partner from Huron Pines, a multi-county conservation nonprofit. The plaque will be placed in the Wildlife Sanctuary exhibit rooms at the NOAA Maritime Heritage Center.

James Schultz gave his final report on his Eagle Scout tree identification project. Sixteen posts with tree descriptions are placed by trees on Island Park for public information.

There is also one post on erosion and one on invasive species. Elizabeth Littler and Judy Kalmanek have updated the board’s tree pamphlet to match his tree identifications.

Susie Austin announced that River Rats, the summer nature/science program for young children, will be offered on Wednesdays from June 28-August 2. A per-school story time on Thursdays is also planned.

Witherbee reported that the River Center Campaign Committee is working on a brief promotional video. River Center websites are being updated.

Terry Gougeon stated that stairways and the paved trail were cleaned and trees overhanging a couple trails were removed at the May 13 workbee.