Welcome spring and welcome back to our KI Audubon Club (KIAC) members and nature lovers. May is a beautiful month on the island, and we are excited to once again offer opportunities for all to explore the island and learn about the natural world it supports.
A favorite activity for many island visitors is to join Tom and Paula Bartlett at the Jones Preserve on Long Point as they band the many colorful warblers and other migrating birds on their journey from their southern habitats to their northern breeding grounds, using the Lake Erie Islands as a chance to rest and build their fat reserves. Banding will take place from May 17-21 from 6AM to 2PM and visitors are welcome at the banding station. The KIAC first event of the season is “Nest with the Birds” on Sunday, May 17 at the Jones Preserve banding station. Educational materials, bird adoption opportunities and a nature walk by KIAC President Pat Hayes at 10AM highlight the club activities.
The KIAC monthly meetings are held every third Thursday through September with our kick off on May 21, when we will welcome Tom Henry who has been the environmental reporter for the Toledo Blade since 1993. Tom, known as the “Voice of Lake Erie”, has won numerous awards for his excellent Great Lakes coverage, including climate change reporting. Held at the KI Schools Community Room, the evening starts at 6 pm with a potluck, followed by a brief meeting. Bring a dish to pass, own table service and beverages. His program starts at 7 pm. You can come for all or just the program.
On June 18, the program will be a guided hike led by Pat Hayes at the East Quarry. For this meeting, we will meet at the KI school at 7PM, with no potluck. The hike will explore the birds, plants and hidden lake history at the East Quarry and is a perfect hike for families.
Please consider joining the club for these activities and also consider becoming a member of the KIAC. You can follow us on our Facebook page, “Birds Kelleys Island” or on our website, https://kelleysislandnature.org
