ALPENA — The Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary Board, in two recent meetings at Alpena City Hall, heard reports on maintenance projects at Island Park, welcomed new members and heard future plans.

Board member Terry Gougeon reported that the new boot brush stations for preventing the spread of invasives are being used. Hatching of turtle eggs protected by the nest protection cages was expected soon.

The Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) of the Boys and Girls Club of Alpena helped with a summer removal of invasive species such as spotted knapweed and leafy spurge.

Board member Catherine Stedman gave educational presentations on the identification of and the dangers of invasive species to the habitat.

City Liaison Kevin Fisher stated that the city wood chipper would be available for Huron Pines for the Island buckthorn brush hauling and chipping on Sept. 8.

New members Kelli Liske and Anna Mitterling attended their first meetings since appointed by the Alpena Municipal Council to fill two vacant seats on the board. Long-serving members Elizabeth Littler and Vernie Nethercut chose not renew their expiring terms, but will be Advisory Members.

Board member Lucille Bray reported keeping the pamphlet rack at Duck Park filled and delivering pamphlets to Besser Museum and the NOAA Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Board member Boris Gerber reported plans underway for the popular Magic in Our Midst family adventure on the Island.