FSMW Board Meeting (September 18, 2025)

Minutes

Present: Michael Benham, Pat Frey, Autumn Jackson, Bill McNitt, Pat Patiet, Sarah Redman, Judy Schmidt, Manfred Schmidt, Julie Steiff

1. Hellos / Introductions.
2. Adoption / Modification of Agenda. Agenda adopted with two additions.
3. Approval of Minutes of Prior Meeting. Minutes of last meeting approved.
4. News, Announcements, and Reports
   • Prairie Walk. Judy S reported that Friends of Greenview and Pioneer Nature Area is having a prairie walk tomorrow night.
   • Possible donation from Ann Arbor Guys for Good. Judy S. was approached by Dan Bednar of Ann Arbor Guys for Good, which raises money for local groups and makes a donation every quarter ($1000 to $2000). We need a volunteer to represent us at their September 18, 2025 meeting at 3:30 p.m. After this meeting, they will decide whether to donate to us or another group. Judy, Manfred, and Michael will go, and others are welcome to join them.
   • Treasurer’s Report. PF shared the latest statement. Our current account balance is $4,708, $5,708 with in-kind donations. Judy donated $500 for special projects (e.g., a controlled burn), and we received $1000 from the DTE Energize Your Block Grant. MB researched controlled burns and says we can now afford one with the amount of money we have, but we should discuss whether that’s our priority. Judy noted that timing is difficult: school must be closed due to smoke. PF noted that there are many no-school days this year. MB noted that contractors are used to working within such constraints. He suggested getting three bids. We will need to decide which sections of the school property need it most. Judy S suggested the southern portion near Ellsworth. PF said that volunteers will be needed. MB will start the research. PF said she could help.
   • Nature Club update. PF reported that Nature Club will start this coming Tuesday!
5. Old Business
   • Annual Report to MI LARA: MB will submit it by the end of October.
   • New Life Church workday: Judy S said her contact there has been noncommittal and isn’t getting back to her. He’s new in his position and may be overwhelmed. MB thanked Judy for pursuing it.
6. New Business
   • September 6 “Workday” review. All went well. We received our check from Tray McGuire of DTE and did a walk-through to identify work that needs to be done. AJ took notes, as follows:
     • Replace trail signposts and remove overgrown brush around posts
     • Cut fallen tree by pond
     • Clear paths to pond for students to access
     • Clear buckthorn around new boardwalk
     • Remove the blue ribbons from signposts
     • Brush hog narrow trails, specifically from the pond to the edge of City property by Turnberry
     • Clear path entering woods from Old Ellsworth
     • Burn in Old Ellsworth area
     • Replace entrance bench and signposts
     • Make sure benches are clear of poison ivy and three-seeded mercury
   • Next workday – October 4. We identified the following priorities: Clear benches and cut fallen tree near benches. Spread woodchips if we can get them from DTE. We are expecting them to be delivered in the next 10 days. Other workday priorities include brush hogging trails and completing the new boardwalk. MB will consult with Phil Huhn about brush hogging.
   • Removal of woodchips. Judy S said the Scarlett Middle School cross-country folks have been removing woodchips from the trails before races. We need to find out why they do this and whether it’s necessary. The woodchips stop erosion and protect the creatures that live and reproduce on the forest floor. PF will follow up on this.
   • Weeds and Seeds Walk. SR and Judy S would like to do a Weeds and Seeds walk on October 11.
   • Cost of brush hogging. MS raised the question of whether AAPS could be persuaded to foot the bill for brush hogging. MB noted that we may need to pay for some labor; we now have money but not much labor. PP agreed. MB asked who would maintain the trails if we didn’t. PF said use maintains trails to some extent. PP said she used to use her weed whacker to widen the trails. Judy will check with Cort Ambrosino to see how he works with AAPS to get things done.
7. Next Meeting: October 16, 2025
8. The meeting adjourned at 8:28 pm.

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