An AMA-ESD presentation and a summary of accomplishments were highlighted at a recent meeting of the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary Board.

Angie Bruning with the Alpena-Montmorency-Alcona Educational Service District (AMA-ESD) gave an overview presentation of their services and programming. Their main campaign right now is “talking is learning” where caregivers are encouraged to ask questions and interact with children through talking, reading and singing with simple daily interactions.

The AMA-ESD proposal will install kiosks with nature-themed signage at Duck Park or Island Park.

Chair Lisa Kruse reviewed the past year’s accomplishments of the Wildlife Sanctuary Board, which included: installation of two boot-cleaning stations; cleanup of Island Park after the ice storm; cleanup of the bridge area; a pilot project for turtle nest protection; Island Park sign refurbishment; decommissioning of the Thunder Bay River Center exhibit at NOAA; and expanding partnership with Delta Waterfowl, Sunrise Side Chapter for increasing the number of hen houses and wood duck boxes in the Wildlife Sanctuary.

City Liaison Kevin Fisher, Alpena Parks Coordinator/Harbormaster, thanked the board members for work this spring on Island Park. He reported that bids are out for construction of the River Center pavilion and bathrooms at Duck Park.

A thank you was given to board member Terry Gougeon for installing turtle nest protectors and two boot brush cleaning stations which fight spreading invasives by encouraging people to clean their shoes and boots before going on the Island. A shoutout of thanks was also given to Mike Babcock for the refurbished historical sign at the top of the stairs on Island Park.

Board member Tom Orth reported the native Trumpeter Swan pair has only one cygnet. There is one loon nest with an egg that is not being incubated.

Budget reports, new member approval, and pamphlet additions were also discussed.