Vol. 12 No. 3
In this issue...
Reflections from the President
How the Nature Area Works with Other Groups
Garlic Mustard - Another Damaging Exotic
Nature Area Entrance - Native Garden
Upcoming Events...
November
6
Annual Meeting
10:00
AM
Centennial Farm
Members & Public
November
13
Work Day
9:00 AM
Nature Area
How the Nature Area Works with Other Groups
by Barbara Leeper
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Memorial
Bench -
An Eagle Scout Project |
Many groups have found the Nature Area useful. Eagle Scouts have provided much to the Nature Area when working through the final stages of their candidacies; benches, tables, trails, observation deck, and even a small bridge were built by these fine young men.
The most recent project, which is to be completed later this summer by Ross Schmaeman, is a fire pit. Ross has had guidance in his project from Dr. Kay McGowan, as this fire pit will be used for Native American activities, as well as Scouting programs, and fireside recreation by other community groups.
The Nature Area was the site of two mornings of instruction for the YWCA/Recreation Dept. Science Camp. Bruce Jones presented interesting talks about aquatic animals and insect metamorphosis to the classes. The 7-8 yr. old students were amazing in their grasp of the differences between arachnids and insects. Their director, Kimberly Peake, uses many graphic techniques to ensure they understand such concepts as how much arable land actually exists on the earth.
Paul Cypher from Lake Erie Metropark included the Nature Area in his bird count for the International Migratory Bird Day on May 8, 2004. The Area has, also, been included in the fall Hawk Count for Metropark for several years.
The Detroit Audubon Society has conducted the Christmas Bird Count for Grosse Ile, for the last 2 years utilizing the Area as a base and our members as helpers for Jim Bull, one of the leaders of this count.
Many other groups have found our Area of great usefulness in studies for universities and the U.S.F.W.S. You'll read elsewhere in this newsletter about studies of invasive plants, and our most important shoreline restoration project.