ALPENA — Spring cleaning and getting ready for summer at Island Park was a major focus in May for the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary Board. Tasks completed at a May work session at Island Park were reported as follows: inspecting and planning; sweeping and leaf-blowing all stairs, the bridge and the paved road; repairing the fence around the habitat restoration area; weeding around the bridge; removing graffiti; filling and repairing the pamphlet racks, and planting seedlings (25 white spruce).

Workers were board members Lucille Bray, Boris Gerber, Terry Gougeon, Lisa Kruse, Catherine Stedman and advisory members Elizabeth Littler and Mike Babcock.

In other reports at a recent meeting at City Hall, board members approved the updated bylaws. Board members also agreed to request the City to assist in removing a large tree leaning over the trail and also in removing the large sign on Long Rapids Road that states “future home of the River Center.” The River Center pavilion is planned to be built this summer.

It was reported that Ella White fifth-graders planned a field trip to Island Park on June 4, with Stedman and Bray participating and running one of the educational stations.

Board member Amber Hubbard reported that Huron Pines is planning a July 19 Train the Trainer on Invasive Species Paddle Event starting at the kayak launch in Duck Park.

Native seed plantings are planned for October.