Those present: Tom Anderson, Tyson Rose, Mike Kay

1. The meeting was called to order and March’s minutes were approved as written.

2. Treasurer’s Report: Tom reported a balance of $10, 866.41 in the Treasury. Tom noted that Jeff Grills had withdrawn most of the funds he had appropriated for the arboretum to refurbish the arboretum in time for the grand reopening. Tom said there remains $31.00 for this purpose. Mike handed Tom a letter from Frederick County that indicated that the board was scheduled to receive $900 this year from the County. In the wake of reduced budgets we thought that this was a very generous appropriation.

3. Logging site exams: No plans were submitted in time for the meeting.

4. Interpretive Signs: Tyson relayed a message from Ginny saying Ginny received a prototype sign from a vendor that she will bring to the next meeting.

5. Arbor Day: Mike thought that this was a good program and that Jeff Grills had done an excellent job readying the arboretum for its reopening. There were nearly 200 people at this program including many local officials. Lynne was present at the program as well and relayed to Mike how nice the arboretum looked.

6. NRCC: Lynne mentioned to Mike in an email that Jim Arnold’s daughter plans to apply for the camp; and Tyson said he received some inquiries from the website. If you wish to help interview applicants please plan on arriving at the May meeting at 6:30 pm.

7. Nature Notes: We are coming up with real time articles now that things are in bloom. Tyson said he is posting the weekly updates on the website.

8. Neighborhood Green: Mike overviewed the upcoming Neighborhood Green training scheduled for the evenings of May 11, 18 and 25. The course announcement is posted on our website. Mike received permission to order 50 copies of the Woods in Your Backyard which he will order. Mike also brought a copy of the publication “Identifying Trees” from Michael D. Williams for board members to inspect. Mike mentioned that he could purchase copies of this book at $20/ea; and, as he explained at the March meeting, this would be a nice handout to provide at the training. After some discussion Tom made a motion to purchase 50- 60 copies of the book which Tyson seconded. And, the motion was passed. Mike will look into ordering 60 copies and report back to Tom.

9. Volunteer opportunities: Tyson mentioned that numerous scout leaders and citizens have been asking him if there were any tree planting opportunities coming up. Mike was unaware of any public tree plantings but knew that there would be a tree shelter installation program coming up at Cunningham Falls soon. Mike suggested that Tyson contact Volunteer Frederick, since they are compiling a list of opportunities. There might also be some notices posted on the Monocacy – Catoctin Watershed Alliance website.

10. Other Business: Tyson noted that the Catoctin Forest Alliance has another Meeting on the Mountain scheduled for late May. Please visit their website for more details.