The Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary Board met recently at Alpena City Hall for the first time since February. Updates of many Island Park and Wildlife Sanctuary projects were given.

Mark Beins reported that sculptor Autumn Bildson will be the Artist in residence this summer, starting on July 10. Board members will welcome her at a potluck reception on that day. She plans to demonstrate her work onsite at Island Park. Information about her is available online at StoneArt Studio and Stone Carvers Guild.

Susie Austin announced that there will not be a formal River Rats program this summer. However, every Tuesday in July she will put out bags with instructions for self-guided nature tours, or for a to-do project at home, such as instructions for an origami caterpillar.

Chairman Terry Gougeon reported that MSU had contacted him about needing a site for their insect traps to gather data as part of their entomology work. The traps are in place on Island Park.

Gougeon also reported that the fenced-in habitat restoration site is progressing and that most visitors have been careful to stay on the trails.

Funding to continue work on the massive Frogbit/cattail removal project has been cut back and Secretary Judy Kalmanek urged board members to contact their legislators.

Prior to the meeting board member Tom Orth showed a series of photos of Trumpeter Swans and their four cygnets in the Wildlife Sanctuary.