CALL TO ORDER: Liz Weir, Chair 7:02pm

INTRODUCTION:

Attendees introduced themselves and stated how they are connected to the Friends of Wolsfeld Woods (FOWW)

MINUTES: The Minutes of the 2021 annual meeting were reviewed and approved.

TREASURER’S REPORT:

EXPENSES 2022:

The Treasurer’s report was reviewed and approved. There were not any trail repairs this past year which resulted in fewer expenses. The usual trail clearing was done by members.

The gift membership will remain at $35.00.

The increase in Honorariums will be applied next year.

OLD BUSINESS:

Wolsfeld Cabin Update. Bob Gasch, with the Western Hennepin History Center (WHHC), reported that the cabin is in good condition. It could use some staining around the bottom, and he will investigate the best means for accomplishing that work. The WHHC will not need a donation from the FOWW for the cabin upkeep for the coming year.

Status of Wolsfeld Woods. There is less traffic in Wolsfeld Woods (Woods) this past year, but there are still areas of erosion. The steps that Great River Greening constructed a few years ago could use more gravel. Hopefully, that would incentivize people to use the steps rather than walking around them. There also is erosion beyond the steps, and in other areas.

Some of the defaced signs have new decals thanks to Mary Morrison and Liz Weir. However, the inconsistency of signs does cause confusion. As an example, some signs will show a ’no bike’ decal and others have it scratched off.

Jerilyn Miller, with Trinity Lutheran Church, reported that she has seen less traffic in their parking lot this past year. They also have not had much issue with trash. The Church does not have any formal agreement with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), even though their address shows up on DNR maps, on the DNR website, and if you use Google maps. The Church finds the Woods to be a beautiful resource for their parishioners and likes to work with the FOWW. The FOWW want to be good neighbors and assist where we can.

The Church does not currently have any issues with public trail access but would like to have a contact at the DNR. Ellie Crosby offered to contact the DNR and find out who is the current liaison is with the SNA’s. Jerilyn will do the same.

Many thanks were given to Jerilyn and the Church for allowing the use of their parking lot to access the Woods.

NEW BUSINESS:

Proposed Calendar of Events for 2023

• Maple Syruping ... at Ellie Crosby’s, Sunday, March 26 at 1:00pm
• Spring Wildflower Walk ... with Sue Galloway, Saturday, May 6 at 10:00am
• Spring Warbler Walk ... with Marengos, Saturday, May 13 at 8:00am
• Fall Warbler Walk ... with Marengos, TBD
• Bat Walk ... with Chris Peterson, Friday September 8 at 7:30pm
• Mushroom Walk ... with TBD on Saturday, September 16 at 1:00pm
• Fall Colors Horseback Ride ... meet at Ellie Crosby’s, Sunday October 8 at 2:00pm
• Annual Meeting ... at West Hennepin History Center (1952 W. Wayzata Blvd, Long Lake, MN), Wednesday October 11, at 7pm

Many of these events begin at the Trinity Lutheran Church parking lot, located at 2060 County Road 6, Long Lake, MN.

Proposed Changes/Improvements to the Woods

The horseback riders and Liz Weir will try to make an inventory of signs this coming year and note which are defaced or confusing. New signs would be obtained from the DNR.

Bob Gasch has been talking to Paul Hamilton with Orono Public Schools about getting the students involved in the Woods again. The grade school students could bus over for an outdoors experience, while the high school students could get more involved in the science/ecology of the Woods. Schools are not going to the West Hennepin History Center much anymore, especially since it is not handicap accessible.

Both horse crossing bridges need reinforcing in the middle.

Projects for 2023:

Obtain estimates for adding gravel to the western steps on the trail leading from the parking lot.

Obtain opinion/estimates for erosion control on the slope east of the steps.

Obtain estimates for reinforcing two bridges.

Sign Inventory.


The Meeting adjourned at 8:07pm.

Ann Thies, Acting Secretary