TEAM:

Meeting with Ray Katz, Sculpture Artist and property owner on trailway southeast of Beaudette Park Saturday, June 21st 2003 at 9:00AM. We have a NEW FOUND passionate partner!

Thanks to Pat O'Connor, Dennis Thom, Katie Serewicz, and Norma Palen for attending and supporting efforts.

Much was discussed! Much was determined and many questions answered!

Thank you Ray! You are a treasure!

Best,

Jim

Team:

Once again the Nature Group formed for the Beaudette Park Clean-up Event sponsored by Mayor Payne on Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 9:00AM. Many discussions with the Mayor and others regarding the Pontiac Nature Center Concept took place and brochures were distributed. The Mayor requested that we call his office this week (June 16, 2003) to schedule an official meeting with him to discuss further details of the proposal. He was quite enthused about the possibilities. We will be meeting early this week to discuss preparations for the scheduling of this important meeting with the Mayor ASAP!

Thanks to Linda Torony, Pat O'Connor, Marica Battles and others for coming and supporting this initiative.

Best,

Jim

Team:

Thanks to Pat O'Connor and Linda Torony for making the voyage to Beaudette Park and the Pontiac Nature Center Area on Sunday. Many insights were acquired and exchanged. Pictures of Great Blue Herons and a Red-Tailed Hawk's nest with (2) young were captured digitally. Preparations were made for the Beuadette Park Clean-up event taking place on Saturday, June 14, 2003 at 9:00AM. We will be putting together an exhibit on behalf of the Pontiac Nature Center Concept and sharing it with interested individuals in preperation for an offical presentation to Mayor Payne.

Flash! Wildlife pictures to be possibly featured on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers web-site.

Stay tuned!

Best,

Jim

Yo TEAM:

NATURE AREA TREK Sunday, June 8th, 2003 7:30AM

You have an opportunity to visit a "Natural Urban Jewel" (Nature Area) in downtown Pontiac. We will be meeting at Beaudette Park at 7:30AM on the northside of Orchard Lake Road just 1/2 mile east of Telegraph Road. We will walk via the "rails & trails" Pontiac trailway to the nature area 1/2 mile and witness an extraordinary undisturbed natural habitat on the Clinton River. You will encounter a nesting "blue heron" rookery, an active Red-tailed Hawk nest and various species of song birds, wetland animals, plants, ect. This area will be a "focus element" of our annual Summer Camp Discovery Program 2003 held at the observatory. The long-term objective is to establish an interactive, interpretive Nature Center for the Pontiac Community.

David Allen will be there with some students that are participating in the observatory's Summer Program. Pat O'Connor of the U.S Army Corps of Engineers will be joining us to provide information on the habitat, etc. Linda Torony will also be attending to add additional expertise, information and wildlife identification, etc. Debbie Jackson from United Way of Oakland County has been invited because she has a passion for wildlife photography. The observatory will provide a telescope and a digital camera for observation and photographic captures as well as some binoculars and various field guides. If you have camera's and binoculars and/or field guides bring them with you. A small camp stool to sit on would also be a good thing to bring along. We will spend a few hours and should be finished by 12:00PM.

Please reply if you have an interest in joining us.

Best,

Jim

Congratulations Jessica:

It was "GREAT" to have you guy's visit!

Now if we could get Mrs. Torony "on this page" so to speak we would be moving mountains. I also do not have Amy' last name and can't send her an invitation until I do. Can you provide here or e-mail me at jross2@earthlink.net?

Look forward to "sharing all" on the Pontiac Nature Center Program. We should plan to visit the Nature Area A.S.A.P. The Mayor of Pontiac is very interested in the concept. We are drafting a "letter of understanding/introduction" as we speak to be followed closely by a scheduled meeting.

Please let me know what your(s) schedule(s) might permit.

Best,

Jim

Hi Jessica,
It was Great meeting you and sharing ideas. Hopefully Linda will be sharing her thoughts also on this Blog site. Let us know how Thursday goes for you, my fingers are crossed!!
Hugs,
Marcia Battles

Hi Jessica:

Use this "blog" to communicate with your team members. We will be looking forward to your response from your meeting on Thursday.

Good LucK!

Best,

Jim