Macouns Arctic
photographed by David MacLean
NABA Northern Crescents Meeting Notes
Tuesday Feb 26, 2008
Co-Presidents, Pat Sanders & Marilyn Carter, welcomed all to the first meeting of 2008. They reminded everyone to renew and/or update their NABA membership. The following updates were provided concerning recent and upcoming NABA activities:
Science Fair – Tim Craig judged the Butterfly entries at the Science Fair with the aid of a Graduate Student. There were two butterfly entries; one from Ordean and a second from Cloquet. The 7th Graders from Cloquet measured the strength of silk to see if it was proportionate to the size of the chrysalis. The Cloquet 7th Graders were awarded a Certificate for their unique experiment.
BHC Garden – Donna Peterson & Jeannie Bruno have completed a plant list from the garden identifying the role the plant plays in the life cycle of a Monarch. A copy of the list was available for everyone at the meeting. They have also painted rocks with plant names as identifiers to be placed in the garden when spring arrives.
Monitoring plans – Gail & Foster have extensive travel planned during this time, so they will need assistance to maintain consistency of the monitoring program this summer. Wally volunteered to take one reading and Gail will establish a calendar for the summer for others to sign-up in order to maintain this important monitoring program.
Dates & Locations of counts – Jim P. reported on the 6 Counts for the coming summer and of the expanded dates for these counts; June 1st through July 31st. He will send out a list of the 6 Counts and associated dates. Wally volunteered to coordinate the McNair Count and Pat T. will coordinate Muriel’s Count.
April 15 Public Meeting, 6:30 PM at Gander Mtn – after much discussion all agreed the objective for this meeting is to raise awareness of the NABA Chapter in Duluth, educate the public about NABA activities and to attract new members. There will be a planning meeting on Wednesday April 2nd at Gander Mtn. The following summarizes various activities for the April 15th meeting:
o Outreach – Gail & Marilyn
o Flyer with NABA Activities – Pat T.
o Member Testimonials (why we enjoy NABA) – Tanya
o Decorations – Jeannie
o Slide show/ Power point – Wally, Jim S. (BHC Garden, Monitoring,
Butterflies)
o Garden plant lists and tips on butterfly gardening – Donna P.
o Refreshments – Donna table set up; Tanya, Lucy & Gail –
baking.
Calendar of events for 2008
* April - Public meeting at Gander Mtn.
* May -Review monitoring counts
* June or July - potluck or picnic at BHC garden
* July or Aug - garden tour (Donna P has some suggstions)
* September -fall gathering/report out on summer activities (at Gander
Mtn.?)
* December - Christmas potluck
Additional Items:
* Jim P. & Pat T. were contacted by a St. Cloud resident who was interested in information about starting a NABA Chapter. This was a reminder for us all of the success of our Chapter and that we are the only NABA Chapter in Minnesota.
* Big Bog State Park – there was discussion that some would be interested in a multi-day field trip to Big Bog State Park to learn more about the unique area within this park.
* Pat T. suggested that the Chapter continue its tradition of donating $100 in support of a conservation cause/effort associated with butterfly protection. Pat suggested we provide this year’s donation to the Xerces Society in support of their Butterfly Habitat Conservation work. All agreed with Pat. As a way to learn more about the activities of the Xerces Society their web site is:
http://www.xerces.org/Butterfly_Conservation/butterflyathon.html
The meeting adjourned with all enjoying refreshments and time to catch up with one another following the Holidays.
REMEMBER THE PLANNING MEETING FOR APRIL 2nd!