FSMW Board Meeting (February 19, 2026)

Online Zoom Meeting February 19 7:30, Thursday

FSMW is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. In this meeting we will explore what we as a community can do to manage and care for Scarlett Mitchell Woods, the central 40 acres of the Scarlett Mitchell Nature Area. This area contains the heart of the woods and the pond, which was dredged in 1982. It is owned by the Ann Arbor Public Schools and is no longer managed by Nature Area Preservation. Help us to implement actions to fulfill our vision of Scarlett Mitchell Woods hosting native life, that contains no invasive species, and that invites community members to walk, enjoy and learn.

For more information contact: Judy Schmidt or phone Mike at: 734-395-8959

Agenda

1. Hellos/ Introductions as needed
2. Agenda: Adoption/ Modification – Approval
3. Approval of Minutes of Prior Meeting
4. News, Announcements 
   • CSC Spring Fair Saturday 2/28 – Sarah
   • Winter tree identification at Leonard Preserve – Michael
5. Treasurer’s Report – Pat Frey
6. Scarlett Nature Club – Pat Frey (on hold until March)
7. Old Business
   • Tree across trail – west section
8. New Business 
   • Poop
   • DTE Boardwalk design – Phil
   • Platt Road entrance boardwalk
   • Next workday – March 7th
   • Archiving
9. Next Meeting: March 19, 2026
10. Adjournment

Minutes

Meeting Minutes – Friends of Scarlett Mitchell Woods – 2/19/26

Quick recap

The Friends of Scarlett Mitchell Woods meeting focused on several key topics including a spring fair collaboration with Colonial Square Cooperative on February 28th, which will include a table for the organization and various educational activities. The group discussed concerns about dog waste in the park and considered options for addressing the issue, including signs and bag dispensers. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to deciding on the design for a new boardwalk project, with members voting in favor of a horizontal boardwalk design for safety and traction reasons. The group also touched on potential future projects, including a bridge over a gully at the Platt Road entrance near ato improve access from the  new apartment development.  , though tThey decided to postpone this until more residents are involved. Finally, Judy reported reaching out to the Ann Arbor Public Library about archiving the organization’s historical materials.

Next steps

• Michael: Check the expiration date on the Visa gift card and report back to the group.  (July 2026)
• Pat: Continue attempting to contact a live person at Bill.com or Grapevine Giving to clarify the $50 invoice/bill, and update the group; if no response, coordinate with Michael about contacting previous donor contacts for clarification.
• Michael: Follow up with NAP (or relevant contact) regarding the tree top blocking the trail, using photos provided by Phil, and determine what can be done about the obstruction.
• Janet (via Michael): Follow up on options for signs and/or bag dispensers for dog waste in problem areas of the woods, and report findings to the group.
• Phil: Proceed with constructing the new 24-foot DTE boardwalk using the horizontal board design, coordinating with Michael on wood purchase and storage as needed.
• Michael: Coordinate with Phil a few days before the March 7th workday to determine if lumber needs to be purchased and to plan workday activities.
• Judith: Await and share response from Ann Arbor District Library regarding archiving procedures and next steps for the group’s materials.
• Michael and Phil: Plan to bring loppers (and possibly other tools) to the Spring Fair for demonstration, ensuring safety around children.
• Judith: Send the “Fliegend du Hundischeis” story to the group for reference and possible use in outreach/education.
• All interested (Friends of Scarlett Mitchell Woods): Staff a table at the Colonial Square Cooperative Spring Fair on February 28th; Michael, Judy, and others to attend and support as able.
• Judith: If found, forward any additional NAP communications about the downed tree/trail obstruction to the group.
• Michael: Bring electric chainsaw to next workday to address 5-inch tree across the trail, as part of trail clearing efforts, unless NAP agrees to do the work.
• Pat: Restart Nature Club in mid-March after returning from trip and communicate the schedule to relevant parties.
• Michael: Add the potential bridge project at the Platte Road entrance to the group’s wish list for future reference.

Summary

Owl Sighting and Trail Updates

The group discussed Autumn’s sighting of a great horned owl near the school entrance, with Autumn sharing her experience of observing it. They also talked about trail conditions, noting that they were muddy and slushy but navigable with care. Michael announced that he would be running AI Companion in Julie’s absence in order to produce meeting notes.

Colonial Square Spring Fair Planning

The meeting covered several topics, including archiving, PTO updates, and the Colonial Square Cooperative Spring Fair. Judith suggested adding archiving to the agenda, which Michael agreed to include under new business. Sarah presented details about the upcoming Spring Fair, scheduled for February 28th, which will feature various sustainability and gardening-related activities. The fair will include information on community gardens, smart gardening options, a clothing swap, and rain barrel requests. Friends of Scarlett Mitchell Woods will have a table at the fair to promote the organization and attract new members.

Colonial Square Spring Fair Planning

The group discussed plans for an upcoming Spring Fair at Colonial Square, which has a population of 426 potential homes. Sarah indicated they would consider the event successful if 20-40 people attended, noting that pizza would help attract members. The group agreed to bring invasive plant samples, including buckthorn, honeysuckle, and garlic mustard, for demonstration purposes, with Judith offering to bring photos of garlic mustard. Michael announced a winter tree identification session at Leonard Preserve near Manchester on Saturday from 10-12, inviting others to join if interested.

Treasurer’s Report and Invoice Review

Pat presented the Treasurer’s report, noting a total of $7,815.90 in cash on hand, including Judy’s recent donation and interest earned on a CD. Pat also discussed an unclear invoice from TheBill.com for $50, which may be a fee for donors using their service, and expressed difficulty in contacting a live person for clarification.

Grapevine Giving Invoice Mystery

The group discussed a mysterious $50 invoice from Bill.com related to Grapevine Giving, with Pat and Judith planning to contact previous donors for clarification. Michael agreed to check the expiration date on a Visa gift card, which Autumn raised concerns about. Pat confirmed that Nature Club activities would resume in mid-March due to weather conditions. The conversation ended with a brief mention of a tree blocking a trail, which was previously discussed.

Tree Obstruction and Removal Discussion

The group discussed a tree that was cut down and partially obstructing a trail behind Phil’s property. Judith mentioned she had previously contacted NAP about the issue. Judith said the leaning tree was removed at NAP’s request, NAP’s inspection noted increased lean and signs of uprooting. The group agreed that Michael would follow up with NAP regarding the tree obstruction, using photos Phil had previously provided.

Dog Waste Management near Colonial Square

The group discussed a problem with dog feces in SMW West near Colonial Square, where Janet reported finding large piles of dog poop. Judith shared her concerns about the effectiveness of posting signs, noting that enforcement is unlikely and the issue primarily affects residents who let their dogs roam unleashed. The group considered implementing humor-based messaging or installing dog waste bag dispensers, with Peter suggesting placing signs at dog height and Judith offering to share a historical piece about the “Fliegend du Hundischeis” incident from the Colonial Square Courier. Pat suggested placing signs with plastic bag dispensers at popular areas, while Judith mentioned using newspaper bags for collection. Michael agreed to ask Janet if she would be willing to follow up on sign manufacturing options and bag dispensers.

Boardwalk Design: Vertical vs. Horizontal

Regarding the DTE boardwalk, Phil presented plans for a 4-foot wide boardwalk on the west end of the pond, discussing design options between horizontal and vertical styles.  The group discussed the design of boardwalks, comparing vertical and horizontal options. Phil explained that vertical boardwalks were easier to construct but might be less comfortable to walk on, while horizontal boardwalks were more comfortable but were a bit more complicated to build. Pat suggested adding extra boards to prevent sagging in vertical designs.Autumn raised a concern about potential cost differences between the two designs, but Phil noted that horizontal boardwalks might actually be less expensive due to the lower cost of lumber.

The DTE boardwalk would be a 24-foot bridge over a the marshy muddy area adjacent to the pond, with Phil explaining it would be constructed in three 8-foot sections. After debate about safety and traction, the group agreed to vote on the design, with Phil proposing a vote between vertical and horizontal options. The group unanimously voted to build the bridge with horizontal boards for better traction, particularly in wet or muddy conditions. The group also discussed a potential bridge over a gully at the Platt Road entrance, near apartments being developed across the street.  Judith suggested waiting to address this issue until after FSMW’s current projects are completed and the new residents have a chance to express their needs.

Workday Plans

The group discussed plans for an upcoming workday on March 7th, with priority given to completing 8 feet of remaining boardwalk work and picking up trash, weather permitting. Further invasive removal on the trail to Old Ellsworth is also a possibility.  

Archiving Discussion

Judith inquired about archiving historical materials with the Ann Arbor Public Library, who confirmed they handle various archiving projects including local history materials. The group noted that the library already has extensive information about Scarlett Mitchell Woods on their website, and Judith plans to follow up with them regarding their archiving process.

Attachment 2:  Inventory of Ideas: Field Days!  Lots of Options!

• (aka Ideas for Spring Unfolding and other seasonal walks in the woods)

Education and Fun

• Search for amphibians – learn their calls – March/April
• Identify Fungi – early spring – September/October Study Group 
• Spring Ephemerals –  (Spring Beauty, May Apples, Trillium, etc) April/May
• Insect relationships – Native bees; carrion beetles; mosquitoes, caterpillars
• Birding for beginners – Spring migration
• Owl prowl 
• Pond dipping – May
• Vernal pools
• Geology of the woods – study group?
• Mosses and lichens – study group?
• Tree flowers and buds
• Bat house

Data Collection

• Library tool collection (?)
• Binoculars
• Measure highway noise in the woods – various seasons
• Solicit expertise from our Friends group and the wider community
• Using identification apps
• FSMW Walk to evaluate which areas to concentrate on next

Work Days 

• Searching for and pulling garlic mustard, and other tender invasive plants
• Removing buckthorn baggies
• Obtaining and spreading wood chips on the trails
• Fixing boards on trails 
• Coating benches
• Repainting signposts so they are readable
• Planting seeds and seedlings
• Repair or replace trail markers that are rotting.  Do we have a scout troop we can contact?
• Remove poison ivy
• Pocket Forest planting and maintenance