ALPENA ­– The Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary Board, at a recent meeting, reviewed plans for invasive plant removal and for greeting Emily Drew Yates, this year’s Artist in Residence. She will be in Alpena from Aug. 11-25 working on water-themed paintings and artworks. Yates will also present a community program/workshop. Board members will welcome the artist at a picnic potluck at the home of Terry Gougeon, board chair.

A spotted knapweed pull at Island Park was discussed, as well as the locations of the maximum four memorial benches. Also discussed was the problem of a lack of a water source for watering the gardens by the bridge from Duck Park to Island Park.

There are openings on the board for volunteers to serve who are interested in the Thunder Bay River as it flows through the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary. People who are interested in volunteering can contact Chairperson Terry Gougeon at tpgougeon@hotmail.com or on the city website. Applications are available at the City of Alpena website under City Boards.

Present Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary Board members are Chair Terry Gougeon; Secretary Judy Kalmanek; and Board Members Boris Gerber, Elizabeth Littler, Vernie Nethercut, Tom Orth, and Roger Witherbee. The liaison with the municipal council is Alpena Planning, Development and Zoning Director Montiel Birmingham.