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Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary board members met recently at Alpena City Hall to continue its efforts with Island Park and the Alpena Wildlife Sanctuary improvements and establish goals.

Topics discussed during the meeting included information about buckthorn brush removal from the island, historic materials, water trail buoys, and an educational program, Huron Pines staff, and working with volunteers.

The buckthorn brush removed from the island was chipped by the the city in a wood chipper and piled near the top of the paved trail to be spread on the island trails later.

Board member Amber Hubbard updated the board about Huron Pines native planting and seed dispersal initiative at Island Park. She provided a list of the seeds and plants.

Advisory member Elizabeth Littler shared historic materials from the Sanctuary that will be provided for the City’s archives. These items included a copy of an 1800s Thunder Bay River map, river’s edge information, and plant survey lists.

Board member Anna Mitterling presented plans for monthly educational meet-ups on the island for elementary-age children and moving the Blue Heron Water Trail buoys back to their correct locations.

Kelli Liske volunteered to help with updating the Wildlife Sanctuary website and board member Terry Gougeon reported that the snapping turtle eggs discovered in nests had successfully hatched but there had been no activity with the painted turtle nests.