Friends Annual Meeting January 12, 2010

The 2010 Annual Meeting of Friends was held at the Old Schoolhouse January 12 at 7 pm. Well attended meeting included financial and activities report from 2009, as well as expected budget for 2010. The transition for Sherburne Friends group from that of efforts to help finance the building of Discovery Center (pre-financial fall) to that of focus on "Discovery Center without Walls" (post financial fall) to better encourage environmental education was covered by Susan Hix. The significant efforts in reaching out to communities and schools in the area have seen results. Very ambitious and exciting plans to develop educational programs and integrate them locally are well supported by the election of 5 new board members during this meeting.
Volunteers are welcome to join in the rewarding and learning process of meeting our future goals in support of the Sherburne Wildlife Refuge mission.

President Lee Johnson discussed the variety of activities carried out by Friends members and the list of regional supporters, both individual and corporate.

Sue Hix described the change in emphasis this past year to harness our Friends group strengths in reaching out to Schools, Businesses and Chambers of Commerce in the area.

Refuge Manager Anne Sittauer addresses the group, expressing thanks for the many ways the Friends activities contribute to the Sherburne Wildlife Refuge mission.

Rover View1

http://www.exploresherburne.org/

Women's Nature's Circles

The first Sunday of each month has brought together a group of women interested in exploring more about the refuge and nature in general. This activity is open to all interested women and meets at the schoolhouse. Check out the flyer at Whats Happening at the Refuge Now page on the Friends of Sherburne website (exploresherburne.org) for more information.
The pictures below are from the January 3, 2010 meeting which included a snowshoe adventure. Temperatures near zero didn't cool the spirits of this group!

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http://www.exploresherburne.org/

XC SKIING AT BLUE HILL TRAIL JANUARY 3, 2010

Not much wildlife was out on such a cold day. Just scenery to view in scopes.

The Enchanted Forest is our favorite section of this trail. A few pine needles in the ski tracks but not a problem for skiing through easily.

When visiting during winter it is suggested you dress in layers and bring extra wind protection as much of this trail is in the open. As you can see we had to remove some layers as although temperatures on January 3 were sub-zero, there was no wind and we were overheating some.

Rover View 1
http://www.exploresherburne.org/

MAHNOMEN HIKING TRAIL

Mahnomen Trail pictures from January 2, 2010. Temperatures near end of day were zero F.

Mahnomen Trail is recommended for foot travel in winter. The trail has been walked in by foot traffic and offers stunning winter landscapes and some great exercise during the sub zero weather.

Rover View 1
http://www.exploresherburne.org/