Friends of Sandhill, Inc. was founded as a 501©3 non-profit corporation in 2002. Our activities are aimed toward furthering the interpretive, educational, research and visitor service programs at the DNR’s Sandhill Wildlife Area at Babcock, Wisconsin.
Our stated goals are:
* Sponsor and support interpretive and educational activities, seminars, lectures and other activities that contribute to the research and educational programs at Sandhill.
* Provide for the distribution or sale of appropriate nature-related materials such as books, clothing, pamphlets, videos, art work and crafts.
* Use any net profits for the support of the programs, facilities, resources and trails at Sandhill Wildlife Area.
Members benefits:
* Camaraderie with other outdoor enthusiasts
* Participation in a variety of outdoor projects to benefit Sandhill
* Friends of Sandhill Newsletter
* 10% off FOS merchandise
* Overnight use of dorm facilities for special events
Minutes of Spring Board/Annual Meeting
Minutes
Friends of Sandhill Board/Annual Meeting
March 12, 2011
Meeting called to order by Chair John Kubisiak at 10:05 am. Present were Board members John Kubisiak, Rich Dubiel, Vicki Palen, Del King and Nancy Peterson. Also present were advisor Jon Robaidek, Sandhill Superintendent Neal Paisley, and members Ray Leonard and Sri Kasturirangan.
Abbreviated minutes were read since recording secretary Norma had not been present at the last meeting.
The Treasurer’s annual report as well as the current status report were read and approved.
OLD BUSINESS
1) Neal stated that the repairs to the cabin have been completed and that sealing of the outside wood probably would not be done until the wood has a chance to weather into a more neutral color. The final plans for the outhouse have not been determined at this time. A portable outhouse was brought in for fall activities.
Neal also stated that he would like to have prior knowledge and give approval if anyone wants to stay in the cabin.
2) Open House
A) Chair John Kubisiak had determined that the Open House could be changed to the 30th of April since the OSC class planned for that weekend has been canceled. The change was approved and change notices will be posted on the property and the FWSP web site.
B) John reported that he had recruited Ruth Cline to do an activity with seed art. He also has recruited Curt Pluke to do a demonstration and activity on wild turkey calling. John also plans to do a tie-in with something on the biology of wild turkeys.
C) Britt has agreed to do some sort of activity for kids and has asked the Board for suggestions. (Later Britt decided that since there were already activities for kids she would set up some sort of display and information table about the various offerings at the OSC. This was a suggestion from the December Board meeting.)
D) Norma will be doing face painting, again, and we would also like her to set up a video/dvd of Sandhill that could play continuously in the classroom.
E) Neal said he and his daughter Kelsey will again serve refreshments and sell hotdogs. Vicki will get onions, relish, ketchup and mustard. ALL are asked to bring BARS or COOKIES. John will ask Ocean Spray for bottles of cranberry drinks and, possibly, craisins.
F) Clara will tie her activity in with the turkey info by helping kids make turkeys from pine cones.
G) New and additional items are needed for the Nature Store. John was asked to make more bat houses since they sold quickly at the rummage sale.
H) Neal will conduct tours of the property, with John, or whoever is available, filling in if we get more people who want the tour. They would probably be scheduled for 10:30am and 1:00 pm, depending on demand.
I) Since Vicki will not be able to be at the Open House on the 30th, she will try to find someone to set up the Nature Quiz. If unsuccessful, she will not bring those items, or only the posters.
J) It was decided not to try to use the button machine this year since we will be short of help.
K) The work schedule was gone over.
L) It was noted that the Babcock Legion Buffalo Feed will be the 30th, also, and Vicki said she would mention it on the flyers she will make up for posting and distribution.
3) The DNR comprehensive plan for Sandhill/Meadow Valley has been submitted to higher levels in the DNR. Changes may be made and then another public review will be announced.
NEW BUSINESS
1) Vicki read a letter from the Wisconsin Parks and Recreation Association asking us to join the organization (for a fee of $50) and then send them all the names and addresses of our members. Since Sandhill is not a park and not really a recreation area, as much as a research and educational facility it was decided that FOS would probably not benefit much from membership. If anyone personally wants to join, Vicki has the address.
2) Neal has requested that FOS come up with some sort of protocol for approval of proposed FOS activities and projects at Sandhill. After some discussion, it was decided that FOS projects should be brought up at the meetings or discussed via e-mail. Then, we should request written approval from Neal so that both sides have a written understanding of what is going to be done.
3) Discussion of use of the dorm by FOS members, students and others turned into a discussion of use of the facilities and property, in general. It was decided that Vicki would take all the suggestions presented and draw up a document of items that we discussed. She will e-mail it to all for suggestions and revisions and then send the final version to Neal and to Britt.
4) A final decision on making a parade float for the Pittsville 4th of July celebration was postponed until closer to the event when we will know who might be available to help and what the parade theme will be.
5) Vicki noted that the corporate financial report is due before July. She gave the forms to John Kubisiak for his notarized signature so he can mail them in.
The Charitable Organization license has to be renewed online ($54 last year) so it was agreed that Vicki may use her own credit card to pay the fee and then write a check to reimburse herself.
The corporate report will also need to be sent in, but so far the fee has been payable by check ($15 last year).
6) Trail work and moving the last part of the Bull Grass Loop farther to the east to avoid the huge blackberry patch were discussed. Since moving the trail should not involve a significant amount of timber clearing, but mainly flagging or signage, John +/or Vicki may do it at a time convenient for them. No definite trail clearing date was set up.
7) Election of Board members. John and Norma were up for re-election. Since Norma has not said she will not remain on the Board and no new person was nominated, all Board members agreed to keep their current positions. (Note: Del King agreed at the last Board meeting to fill the unexpired term of Bob Kalsched, who resigned.)
8) No new meeting date was set but it was agreed that business over summer would be conducted by e-mail and regular mail or phone. A September date will probably be chosen when the time is closer.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 12:15 pm.
Additional Comments
John Kubisiak worked on the Bull Grass Loop trail and moved the section of the return loop toward the east, as mentioned in the minutes, to avoid the giant blackberry patch.
A final decision on the parade float has not been made as of June 1, 2011.
