ALPENA — The Wildlife Sanctuary Artist in Residence and Island Park maintenance were the main items discussed at the June meeting of the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary Board.

Sherri Waldorp, coordinator of the Artist in Residence program, reported that Emily Drew Yates, a painter and maker of artworks in acrylic and watercolor, was chosen from 19 applicants to be this year’s artist. She is from Elkville, Ill. and will be in Alpena from Aug. 11-25. There will be a community presentation/workshop and the board will host a welcoming potluck.

Chair Terry Gougeon described Island Park maintenance plans which included removing trees that had fallen across paths and a work day for getting rid of invasive plants like frogbit and non-native cattails.

New aquatic weed cutters were discussed and will be used at an upcoming weed removal day.

Vandalism on the island was reported, such as signs, wood duck boxes and fencing. The police will be contacted.

The board also voted to limit the number of benches on the island to a maximum of four benches.

Thunder Bay River Center Chair Judy Kalmanek stated that sales of native wildflower seeds were going well. The sales are a fundraiser project for the River Center.

The meeting concluded with board member Tom Orth showing sanctuary photos, which included a family of native Trumpeter swans with six cygnets, a loon family with a young one on the mother’s back, and a pied-billed grebe.