September 17, 2011 The beach cleanup

Sponsored by the Beaver Island Association. Sat, 9/17. Meet at the Community Center at 9am for bags and data cards. Return at noon for a free hotdog lunch. Call Ken McDonald at 2981 if you want bags and cards early. Please help.

July 11, 2011 Beaver Island Association Annual Membership Meeting

MONDAY, JULY 11, 7 P.M.
Peaine Township Hall

Election of Directors
Presentation on Environmental Task Force, to inventory and manage invasive and endangered native plant species, and involve members in this and other BIA projects/activities
Discussion of township governance and local tax issues

Summer Lectures

The Beaver Island Association will offer three presentations this year in a summer education series that is being revived with encouragement from over 70% of members who responded to our survey last fall.

July 7, 2011 migrating song-birds on Beaver Island.

On Thursday, July 7, Dr. Nancy Seefelt of the CMU Biology Department will give a talk about her research on migrating song-birds on Beaver Island. Dr. Seefelt will discuss the stopover ecology of warblers, thrushes, vireos, and other small migratory birds that pause on Beaver to eat insects before continuing north. Everyone who spends spring on the island knows about the hoards of midges (sometimes mistaken for mosquitoes) that form what look like plumes of smoke over areas like East Side Drive. These tiny insects, which do not bite, are incredibly important to these migrating songbirds as a source of fat and protein. Beaver's unique location in the middle of Lake Michigan makes it a perfect rest stop for small migratory birds, who rely on the calories they gain from midges to continue their journey. Come hear Dr. Seefelt present her data about what songbirds Beaver attracts and how they use the island as a stopover habitat. Peaine Township Hall, 7:30 p.m.

July 13, 2011 How to Grow a Bird Feeder

Wednesday, July 13, Kay Charter of Saving Birds Through Habitat, a popular presenter at last summer's forest symposium, will explain "How to Grow a Bird Feeder." Few people are aware that virtually all our migrating birds have been losing ground for decades, with populations of some species declining by up to 90% in the past four decades. Most people believe they help birds by offering seeds and suet from hanging or post-mounted bird feeders. But such well meaning efforts do little for birds like warblers, vireos and tanagers. Most birds must have insects at some time in their lives; many depend largely or entirely on insect food; and 97% of all terrestrial avian nestlings require insects to develop. Charter will discuss the challenges for our marvelous migrants and offer valuable suggestions on how to provide genuine assistance by improving natural habitat on your property not just for birds, but for other at-risk wildlife as well. At Beaver Island Community Center at 7 p.m.

July 25, 2011 native plants of Beaver Island

On Monday, July 25, just before this year's Baroque on Beaver concerts, Dr. Ed Leuck of the Department of Biology of Centenary College of Louisiana will discuss native plants of Beaver Island as alternatives to cultivars and grassy lawns. The co-author of Plants of Beaver Island and longtime summer resident of the island, Dr. Leuck will give advice on what native plants work best in what type of habitat, how and when to plant them, and how to maintain them after planting. He will also discuss some of the more common invasive plants on the island and how to keep them from spreading. With extensive knowledge of BI flora, he will help identify plants on your property and tell you how to manage them: great information for everyone who's ever wondered, "What's that plant, and should I keep it or kill it?" Peaine Township Hall, 7:30 p.m.

All these presentations will be open to the public free of charge and everyone interested in nature and wildlife on Beaver Island is invited to attend. Please plan to do so . . . and talk them up with your friends and neighbors.