Friends of Taylor Wildlife Preserve
Annual Meeting Minutes
Sunday, March 5, 2017
Attendees: Carolyn Bujak, Tom Bujak, Suzanne Day, Nora Lederc, Chuck Mattern, Michael Robinson, Rachell Wells, Susan Wells, Tom Wells, Vince Lewonski, Sandy Rea, Jonathan Snipes, Lily and Peter Taylor, Samuel and Marion Snipes
The meeting was opened by Mike Zickler. Introductions were made by all in attendance.
Minutes of our 2016 meeting were read and approved.
The role of Board officers was discussed., and incumbents were approved.
Lily Taylor presented and detailed the Treasurer’s Report, and noted that a Pay Pal account is now established through which members may pay their annual dues.
Activities and dates were established:
Wildlife Preserve clean-up set for March 5th (with help from area college students).
A dumpster for the clean-up will be provided via the NJ Natural Lands Trust.
Bird walk scheduled for May 7.
Mike Zickler, Lily & Peter Taylor attended a meeting of the Washington Crossing Audubon Society in Washington’s Crossing.
Mike Zickler applied for, and received, a grant from the WCAS.
Our local birder, Steve Sobocinski was noted for his contribution to hosting a bird sighting blog on the FTWP website.
The new FTWP map was reviewed. About 500 maps will be printed and placed at the kiosk for visitors to the preserve. The map is also on our website. Tom noted that an unnamed pond on the map should be labeled, “horseshoe pond.”
Sally Wells mentioned the need for a new clear plexiglass brochure box with a rainproof lid at the kiosk. We also discussed the need to clean up the kiosk area.
Our memorandum of understanding with the State of New Jersey was discussed. The thought was that perhaps we should have that document available as a public document record.
It was noted that a local landscaper, the Parson family from Dredge Harbour, has been helping with trail maintenance and river bank maintenance at Plum Point.
We discussed the desire to purchase a piece of equipment to help with river bank maintenance.
It was noted that the federal government provided documents showing research on the history of sluice gates after the Civil War era.
Lily Taylor was thanked by all for designing a beautiful and informative brochure.
Mike Zickler called attention to the newly maintained trail along the marsh. He noted a job well done and mentioned the positive and practical difference it has made to trail walkers and birders.
There was a brief discussion pertaining to the maintenance of the wide lane. Susan mentioned that crushed concrete is more durable than gravel. Millings from asphalt was considered as well.
Lily Taylor talked about possibly using painted trail blazes to differentiate the preserve trails.
Lily also noted the desire to keep the narrow lane free of motorized vehicles, especially for birders, but noted that the fire company still needs access to the narrow lane.
Victor brought to our attention, the “trashing” of the community garden area and that perhaps, more stringent rules should be in place.
Students and a chaperone/instructor will bring a busload of students from Raritan Valley Community College to help at the next scheduled clean up, March 5, 2017.
A bird walk led by Steve is scheduled for the first Saturday in May.
All are welcome to submit photos and stories to incorporate on the FTWP website.
Westfield Friends school is seeking sponsorships in support of their Gala event to be held, May 6 at the Riverton Country Club. A motion was made and approved to give $500.00 to purchase 1⁄2 page in the event program.
Other issues:
The deer population is “somewhat” under control due to special permission (to certified sharp shooters only) to cull the herds.
Motion to adjourn approved.
Submitted by Michael Zickler and Carolyn Bujak
The meeting was opened by Mike Zickler. Introductions were made by all in attendance.
Minutes of our 2016 meeting were read and approved.
The role of Board officers was discussed., and incumbents were approved.
Lily Taylor presented and detailed the Treasurer’s Report, and noted that a Pay Pal account is now established through which members may pay their annual dues.
Activities and dates were established:
Wildlife Preserve clean-up set for March 5th (with help from area college students).
A dumpster for the clean-up will be provided via the NJ Natural Lands Trust.
Bird walk scheduled for May 7.
Mike Zickler, Lily & Peter Taylor attended a meeting of the Washington Crossing Audubon Society in Washington’s Crossing.
Mike Zickler applied for, and received, a grant from the WCAS.
Our local birder, Steve Sobocinski was noted for his contribution to hosting a bird sighting blog on the FTWP website.
The new FTWP map was reviewed. About 500 maps will be printed and placed at the kiosk for visitors to the preserve. The map is also on our website. Tom noted that an unnamed pond on the map should be labeled, “horseshoe pond.”
Sally Wells mentioned the need for a new clear plexiglass brochure box with a rainproof lid at the kiosk. We also discussed the need to clean up the kiosk area.
Our memorandum of understanding with the State of New Jersey was discussed. The thought was that perhaps we should have that document available as a public document record.
It was noted that a local landscaper, the Parson family from Dredge Harbour, has been helping with trail maintenance and river bank maintenance at Plum Point.
We discussed the desire to purchase a piece of equipment to help with river bank maintenance.
It was noted that the federal government provided documents showing research on the history of sluice gates after the Civil War era.
Lily Taylor was thanked by all for designing a beautiful and informative brochure.
Mike Zickler called attention to the newly maintained trail along the marsh. He noted a job well done and mentioned the positive and practical difference it has made to trail walkers and birders.
There was a brief discussion pertaining to the maintenance of the wide lane. Susan mentioned that crushed concrete is more durable than gravel. Millings from asphalt was considered as well.
Lily Taylor talked about possibly using painted trail blazes to differentiate the preserve trails.
Lily also noted the desire to keep the narrow lane free of motorized vehicles, especially for birders, but noted that the fire company still needs access to the narrow lane.
Victor brought to our attention, the “trashing” of the community garden area and that perhaps, more stringent rules should be in place.
Students and a chaperone/instructor will bring a busload of students from Raritan Valley Community College to help at the next scheduled clean up, March 5, 2017.
A bird walk led by Steve is scheduled for the first Saturday in May.
All are welcome to submit photos and stories to incorporate on the FTWP website.
Westfield Friends school is seeking sponsorships in support of their Gala event to be held, May 6 at the Riverton Country Club. A motion was made and approved to give $500.00 to purchase 1⁄2 page in the event program.
Other issues:
The deer population is “somewhat” under control due to special permission (to certified sharp shooters only) to cull the herds.
Motion to adjourn approved.
Submitted by Michael Zickler and Carolyn Bujak