2021 LEIC Summer Newsletter Email Edition

ISLAND

Lake Erie Islands Conservancy Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2021

Land Preservation Opportunities By Lisa Brohl Our Mission: We have several donation for the To encourage conservation and land preservation purchase of an Protection of Natural and Agricultural opportunities entire lot, that lot Lands in the Lake Erie Islands for the open to our island will be named after Benefit of Future Generations. community. We the donor. will be seeking Lake Erie Islands grant funds and Nature and Wildlife matching funds Center Wooded for those grants. Addition-We have We accept any an opportunity to donations to our preserve an Land Protection additional 4 acres of Fund to work on young woods near these projects. the LEINWC. We Large donations have secured Clean may give donor Ohio Conservation naming rights for Fund grant funds preserves for this project but FUTURE GENERATIONS Middle Bass need additional Island Forested funds in the amount Speaking of Future Generations…. Wetland Additions-We hope to add additional of $190,000 to finish the purchase. If you are Get a load of these two Gilmore wet woodland lots to the existing 40 acre interested in donating toward the purchase of brothers, Knox and Madden, who pulled MBIFWA. We are pursuing a Natureworks grant this property please contact Lisa Brohl. Naming LOADS of Garlic Mustard during the big to acquire a few more. Lots average about rights to this preserve are available for large challenge in May! (More on pgs. 6 & 7) $16,000 each. If you are interested in making a donors. (Continued on page 18)

In This Issue: LEIC Middle Bass Music Fest is a GO! (See Pg. 4)

AmeriCorps Intern 2

New PIBTPD Employees 2

Spring Bird Banding Reports 12

Preserve News 14

LEIC Sales Items 7, 16

Upcoming Events:

Purple Martin Banding 3

Middle Bass Music Festival 4

Island Green Week 8

Middle Bass Poker Kayak Day 15 Meet Our 2021 AmeriCorps Intern Regan Monnett

Photos: Clockwise from Left—Regan at LEIC Table at Founder’s Day; Regan meeting PIBTPD employees Chris Helman and Leah We are pleased Bilski, 2012 AmeriCorps Intern, at MBIEPP; Intern Regan to announce Monnett; Regan Monitoring purple martin gourds at Scheeff that Regan Monnett will be Kelleys Island, where she developed a love for all our AmeriCorps things related to the environment and the outdoors. intern for 2021. She is very excited to work with the Lake Erie Islands Regan Monnett Conservancy and the Lake Erie Islands Nature & is a sophomore Wildlife Center during the 2021 summer! studying the Both Regan’s parents have ties to the islands. Her environment at the mother Nikki Booker graduated from PIB High School and University of Michigan. her father Mike Monnett worked for the Ohio State She was raised on University Stone Laboratory as well as the island State Parks.

Chris Helman—New PIBTPD Employee Leah Bilski—PIBTPD Projects Chris grew up in Sidney, Ohio. He Leah Bilski has been obtained an Associate Degree in Criminal hired part-time by the Justice from Edison State College. He Put-in-Bay Township recently retired from the Fairborn Police Park District to assist Department where he had 34 years of with Park District law-enforcement experience. He mainly projects and grants. worked in the patrol division and was Leah is a summertime also a SWAT member and firearms resident at Middle instructor for over 25 years. Bass Island who has Chris started coming to Middle Bas volunteered with Island on summer fishing vacations with Nature Camp on both his grandparents in 1979. After their Put-In-Bay and Middle passing, he continued the family Bass. She was also the tradition of taking his main vacations on AmeriCorps intern for Middle Bass. In 2008, his family bought the Lake Erie Islands East Point Manor. It is located beside the Conservancy and the park district’s MBI East Point Preserve, Lake Erie Islands where he, his father and family Nature and Wildlife volunteered in keeping the preserve Center in the summer looking nice. of 2012. She's spent the last 5 years working as an environmental consultant and her background is in wetlands Chris looks forward to the opportunity to work with the Put in Bay Township science, ecology, and conservation. She is the granddaughter of Park District in helping them maintain and keep their parks looking good for all Conservancy advisory board member Carol Richardson to enjoy.

Become an LEIC Member for Put-In-Bay Electric just $25 for an entire year! 766 Duff Road P.O. Box 567

Please see page 19 Put-In-Bay, Ohio 43456 for details. 419-285-6120 2

Join Lisa Rock, Tom Kashmer, and Paula Ziebarth as they band the purple martins that return every year to the two gourd rigs at the preserve. This is a great opportunity to get a close up look at purple martin young and nests! Contact Lisa Brohl at 419-366-2087 for questions or updates.

Grants By Lisa Brohl Good Press! By Lisa Brohl The Put-in-Bay Check out this great article Township Park in Bird Watcher's Digest District worked with about birding at the Lake the Put-in-Bay Erie Islands & the efforts of Township Trustees the Lake Erie Islands to submit an Conservancy. Emergency Erosion We are appreciated thanks Control grant with to all of you members and the Ohio Coastal donors and volunteers that Management make this happen—this Program for the MBI article is for you!!! East Point Preserve, Scheeff East Point Conservancy board Preserve, and Deist member Susan Byrnes and her husband Mike were recently featured in Photo: LEINWC Director Renee Fultz and LEIC Chair Lisa Lake Erie Living with their kayaking and bed and breakfast. It included good Rd. in May. Thanks Brohl with their newly awarded grant checks! to those who sent press on the Lake Erie Islands Water Trail maintained by our Put-in-Bay photos for us to use and helped us make the deadline! We hope to hear Township Park District and partners. soon on this grant, especially after the northeast storm we all just JUST IN—make sure to catch this latest writeup by Matt Markey in the experienced on Memorial Day weekend this year! Toledo Blade on the recent Garlic Mustard Pull Challenge https://bit.ly/ The Lake Erie Islands Conservancy chair Lisa Brohl attended the Ottawa ToledoBladeGarlicMustard (See pages 6 & 7 for more details on the Big County Community Foundation 2021 Grant Awards Presentation on June Challenge!) 17, 2021. The Conservancy received a $1,500 grant to help fund the Great JUST IN—Thanks to board member Linda Shull for sharing this nice piece Lakes Islands Alliance meeting to be hosted by the Lake Erie Islands in about a Family Friendly Day at Put-in-Bay. Our island preserves are October 2021. Shown here are Lisa Brohl and LEINWC Director Renee mentioned several times in this online article. https:// Fultz with their grant checks they both received that day! greatlakesloving.com/a-family-friendly-day-at-put-in-bay/ 3 Middle Bass Music Fest Returns! Middle Bass Island State Park and Lonz Winery Patio and Pavilion will be rockin’ and a rolling, jumpin’ and a jiving and generally a fun place to be on July 17, 2021, when the Middle Bass Music Festival rolls into town. It’s going to be a great time with live music, artist demonstrations, food trucks, beer, wine, and all your neighbors hanging out enjoying some Middle Bass Island charm. We look forward to the sounds of The Chardon Polka Band – A wildly entertaining look at polkas in the modern age, Cats on Holiday a Zydeco and Funk Folk Band from Cleveland, Sonic Boom fusion jazz from Middle Bass, and the super-hot blues guitar of Sam Hooper and his Blues Band from Cleveland. There will be an artist tent where guests will have an opportunity to explore different art mediums. When you get hungry you can enjoy the BBQ from Jimmy G’s or The Port Clinton Rotary Perch Wagon, and to quench your thirst get some beer from Catawba Island Brewing Company, and wine from Heineman’s. The Middle Bass Music Fest is brought to you by The Middle Bass Dock Company, The Middle Bass Island State Park & Ohio Department of Natural Resources, The Island Grind at the Lonz Winery Press House, Lake Erie Shores and Islands, the festival. We will have tables available for local artists to sell their Ohio Arts Council and your Lake Erie Islands Conservancy creations-contact Lisa Brohl at 419-366-2087 or at www.lakeerieislandsconservancy.org. LEIC will be selling tee shirts, tote [email protected] to reserve a table. bags and handing out a variety of information on our island activities and preserves. Learn about how you can help preserve island property for There will be an extra Miller ferry at 7:00pm from Middle Bass to take future generations. back attendees-no cars. We need volunteers to help serve beer, sell tee shirts and tickets, set up, Benny on Bass will be making an appearance again as our music fest icon. clean up, coordinate the art demonstration tent and generally pitch in for Watch for him on Facebook and visit our web page for more info at a good time and a good cause. Please email Ann Hicks at www.mbimusicfest.com. [email protected] to volunteer an hour of your time to help us with 4 Island Wide Garage Sale for LEIC By Lisa Brohl We made over $500 selling rummage, native plants, jelly, t-shirts, etc. at the Island Wide Garage Sale on May 17, 2021. Thanks to John and Paula Ladd for hosting, Stacy Clink for being the best saleswoman ever, Ken and Dominic Farber for moving tables for us, and Alan Clink for taking the leftovers away at the end! We really appreciate our members who donated things to us to sell including Susan and Kate Byrnes, Pat and Jim Van Keuren, and Carol and Rich Roberts and all who came and spent $$ for a great cause!

Photos: Clockwise—Kate and Susan Byrnes; Ken and Dominic Farber; Pat and Jim Van Keuren; Stacy Clink and Rich Roberts

Arbor Day 2021 The Village of Put-in-Bay Tree Commission celebrated Arbor Day on Friday, April 30, 2021 with the planting of two trees-a hophornbeam and spicebush. Volunteers also planted the Muriel Sneller pollinator garden at the Village Tree Commission site next to the PIB Post Office. Thanks to the Village of Put-in-Bay for the purchase of trees, Natives in Harmony and Jackie Taylor for assistance with the plants, and the Lo Presti family for sponsorship of the garden, and all who participated last week! Members of the Village of Put-in-Bay Tree Commission are Kelly Faris, Lisa Brohl, and Kendra Koehler

Photos: Clockwise—Group Photo: Standing-Cody Kowalski, Kendra Koehler, Elena Schroeder, Andy Van Camp, Rob Whitman, Kelly Faris, Kate Byrnes, Missi Kowalski, Nora Ladd, Lisa Brohl Sitting-Addison Dress, Piper Koehler, Meredith Cooper, Caleb Kowalski, Rachel Cooper; Nora Ladd, Elena Schroeder, Kate Byrnes planting; Addison Dress, Piper Koehler, Caleb Kowalski, Meredith Cooper; Adam Van Camp of NPS

978 Catawba Ave. Put-in -Bay, OH 419-285-2811

Visit the Winery, get a snack and try a few wines at the Wine Garden, tour Crystal Cave, or even do all three. We promise you’ll have fun!

www.heinemanswinery.com 5 Garlic Mustard Pull Challenge—Accepted and DELIVERED! The City of Green near Akron, Ohio issued a challenge as to which Beacon Journal on May 11th. Google “Garlic Mustard Pull Put-in-Bay” and community can pull the most garlic mustard in a day! Put-in-Bay accepted you’ll find more interesting info. the challenge and had a great group of volunteers who showed up to help PIBTPD Commissioner Kendra Koehler and the PIB Community rallied to get us meet it! some great prizes for participants and winners. There were T-Shirts and 15 Brendan Morgan of EnviroScience rallied the PIB volunteers at the Cooper’s gift certificates from The Goat and the Biergarten, ten gift certificates from Woods Preserve on Saturday, May 8th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. He showed Cameo Pizza for subs and pizza, The Reel Bar donated T-Shirts and a grand everyone the difference between the invasive garlic mustard and other prize gift certificate. The Forge also gave a grand prize gift certificate. The native wildflowers and spoke about the importance of removing it from Lake Erie Islands Historical Society gave two grand prizes for family our woodlands. He and fellow EnviroScience employee Jack Harper entrances to the museum, a four-piece Hotel Victory collection, a Bass supplied everyone with heavy contractor bags that volunteers filled with Islands lake chart, a copy of Bob Dodge’s Isolated Splendor, a Hotel Victory garlic mustard and brought back for him to weigh. A personal tally was hat, an island fishing poster, a large “Don’t Give Up the Ship” flag, plus kept for all as well as our total for the group that day. Thanks to Lake “Don’t Give Up the Ship” flasks, mugs and masks. The Lake Erie Islands Disposal who worked with us to supply a dumpster for the day at a Conservancy provided t-shirts for the first 25 participants and the Put-in- discounted rate! Bay Gazette provided special refillable water bottles for all participants. Over five hours, thirty-four PIB volunteers removed 1,845 pounds of garlic Gifts from Kendra and Jeff Koehler included a Monarch Butterfly book, two mustard from the woods! They pulled 56 lbs/person with a figure of 24/ Put-in-Bay pennants, a Sara Booker print, an historical society framed print lbs/per person/per hour. of the Lake Erie Islands, several homemade face masks and a Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center Child’s Combo Ticket. Thanks once again to the Put-in- The Island’s top picker was Caroline Jackson at 94.7 pounds total. Lake Erie Bay community for their generosity and help with Cooper’s Woods. Islands Conservancy board member Susan Byrnes placed 2nd with 63.2 lbs. Sheri Murphy was third with 39.4 lbs. Placing 4th, 5th, 6th & 7th was the The Lake Erie Islands Conservancy is working with EnviroScience to remove Gilmore family with 36 lbs. apiece, for a total of 144 lbs. Coming in 8th was invasive plants/trees from our Cooper’s Woods Preserve with funding from Cody Kowalski with 32.2 lbs. Ninth was Greg Ziebarth who hauled in extra the Conservation Fund. They will be removing amur honeysuckle later this bags after the pull was over. year by cutting and applying herbicide to the base. You can see their work from last fall with the piles of the cut brush left behind. We will continue to Both communities were declared winners with such great participation!! work on the invasives in June and in November. Green’s top “puller” at Southgate was Green Mayor Gerard Neugebauer, made four trips to the scale, totaling 90.89 pounds of unwanted growth. Participants included: PIBTPD Commissioners Lisa Brohl; Kendra Koehler Elkins said Green’s volunteers pulled 1,160 pounds of garlic mustard out of and Kelly Faris; Marty Faris; Caroline, Liesl and Cal Jackson; Ben, Mark and Southgate Park and averaged 11.9 pounds per person per 2½-hour shift. Lisa Berens; Susan and Kate Byrnes; Macy Ladd; Lilian Frederick; Sally Stuckey; Doraine Toms; Colleen Mooney; Linda Frederick; Valerie Mike Elkins, Green’s administrator of Parks Planning and Development, Chornyak; Erin, Travis, Knox and Madden Gilmore; Dianne Smith; Cody, said: “This competition isn’t about which community wins. The real Caleb and Missi Kowalski; Roger Parker; Paula Hubner; Eli Heineman; Eric winners are our nature preserves — Southgate Park in Green and Cooper’s Rothlisberger; Madeline, Greg and Amy Harrison; Sheri Murphy; Paula and Woods in Put-in-Bay. We all are winners for what was accomplished Greg Ziebarth; and Susan Ferguson. today.” Thanks to all!!! Articles about the challenge can be found on the front page of the Akron

Photos: Above—Group Photo of Participants: Kneeling Left to Right Lisa Brohl, Cody Kowalski, Kate Byrnes, Macy Ladd, Caleb Kowalski, Eli Heineman Standing Left to Right Doraine Thoms, Dianne Smith, Ben, Lisa, and Mark Berens, Roger Parker, Sally Stuckey, Missi Kowalski, Marty Faris, Susan Byrnes, Paula Hubner, Kendra Koehler Upper Right—Greg Ziebarth Lower Right—Lisa Berens (Continued on pg. 7) 6 Find LEIC at MBI Music Fest Beautiful Donation We will have a table with goods to sell at the Middle Bass island Music Tracy Burgess Festival at the Middle Bass Islands State Park on July 17. We will have our donated this beautiful LEIC t-shirts and tote bags. hand knitted table We will be selling the t-shirts designed by the PIB High School covering for the Environmental Club this spring about Cooper’s Woods Preserve. If you Conservancy to raffle didn’t get one yet-come visit our table! at the MBI Music Fest. It was made from Here is Advisory Board Member Bob repurposed yarn in a Russell modeling the shirt for us! We also mitered cross design have new hats “Poinsettia.” made for us from organic cotton. Tracy also made some Check them out beautiful gift tags as too! well. What an inspiring way to support the Don’t Conservancy. Thank forget, you you member Tracy can always Burgess for the reach Lisa beautiful donation Brohl at [email protected] or 419- Photo: Beautiful “Poinsettia” quilt donated by Tracy Burgess and your creativity 366-2087 to place your order as well! and thoughtfulness!

Garlic Mustard Pull Challenge—Accepted and DELIVERED! Continued

Garlic Mustard Pull Challenge Photos Continued! Photos: Clockwise—Brendan Morgan of EnviroScience weighs bags with Eli Heineman at the Garlic Mustard Challenge; Valerie Chornyak and Eric Rothlisberger; Roger Parker; Diane Smith and Brendan Morgan; Paula Ziebarth; Carolyn and Liesl Jackson; The Gilmore family—Erin, Travis, Knox and Madden; Kelly and Marty Faris; Madeline and Amy Harrison; Paula Hubner; Susan Byrnes; Sally Stuckey; Shelly Murphy A huge thanks to all who participated!! 7 6th Annual Island Green Week—Summer 2021

Island Green Week Press Release 2021 Island. (Rain Date August 8) Registration is available at: https:// Put-in-Bay, Ohio bit.ly/3tcE7A5 Deadline to register is July 30th Name of Event: Island Green Week  NEW Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center Tours, Put-in-Bay Hosted on: Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass Island, Gibraltar Island, and EVERY DAY! from 11am to 5 pm. Cost - $3.00 Adults, $2.00 Children 6- Kelleys Island 13yrs old, $2.00 Seniors, $8.00 for a family group. Come see the newly Dates: August 7th-15th, 2021 enlarged and renovated Nature & Wildlife Center! Check out the exciting Event Contact Information: new displays including a live animal exhibit, a wildlife viewing window and Phone: Renee Market 419-708-5798 common birds display, and geology exhibit. These are in addition to the old Email: [email protected] favorites of beautifully preserved wildlife and habitats, as well as the live Address: Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center PO Box 871 bee hive! This is a must do during Island Green Week, you’re sure to find Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 many great treasures. Visit lakeerieislandswildlife.com for more Website Address: lakeerieislandswildlife.com/island-green-week information on events, school groups, and Nature Camp. Event Coordinators, Description of Event, & Sponsors  Forest Bathing, Put-in-Bay Island Green Week, 2021 is a celebration Every Day Cost – FREE. Enjoy a peaceful mindfulness practice and connect of natural beauty, ecology, and history. to nature in any of our beautiful preserves on the island. Stop by the Lake From August 7th – August 15th 2021, Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center to get more information on this Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife nature-based calming practice and a map of the island preserves. Take a Center, Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, break from the stresses of life and ground yourself in nature! OSU’s Stone Laboratory and, Put-in-Bay  Aquatic Visitor Center Tours, Put-in-Bay Township Park District will produce an Tuesday, August 10th. Tours available beginning at 10am or by array of events to support and highlight appointment. Pre-registration is required. Check the website for available our islands Natural, Historical and times. https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/visit/avc Cost - $5 per person (max 10 Cultural Resources. Through these events per tour). Plan a tour of the Aquatic Visitors Center, about one mile west of we hope to educate and interpret our downtown Put-in-Bay, to experience Lake Erie science up close. Activities resources so that they may be used and loved for many years to come. The include inspecting Lake Erie’s complex ecosystem through hands-on Lake Erie Islands are a high traffic tourist destination, with many displays, observing and identifying live fish in ten large aquariums, and opportunities to witness truly amazing parts of nature, history, and discovering current research to protect Lake Erie. The facility is run by Ohio culture. Please join us for Island Green Week 2021 “A Natural Island Sea Grant and OSU’s Stone Laboratory. Visit go.osu.edu/SLtours for more Experience”, our islands have so much to show you. information and to register for a tour, or call 419-285-1800 for questions Calendar of Events August 7-15, 2021 and scheduling. Social distancing required and face masks must be worn Events are located on 4 separate islands. Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass Island, properly, including in outdoor settings. Gibraltar Island, and Kelleys Island. Please make sure you are checking the  Stone Laboratory Specialty Tours, Put-in-Bay correct date, time, and island for events when making travel plans. EVERY DAY! Stone Laboratory will be offering a variety of specialty tours  Science Saturdays, Kelleys Island and trips this year, so take advantage of these limited opportunities! Types Saturday, August 7 & 14, 11am-1pm Cost - FREE Science Saturdays is a of trips include 1 hours island boat tours, half-day Aquatic Visitor Center partnership between Kelleys Island State Park, Kelleys Island Audubon family adventures and 2 hour Lake Erie Science Cruises. Cost varies by tour Club, and the Kelleys Island Field Station. This is a weekly series of events and pre-registration is required. Space is limited so book early! https:// that features interactive exploration centered around a particular topic. ohioseagrant.osu.edu/visit/science-tours Visit go.osu.edu/SLtours for Families and learners of all ages are invited to explore hands-on science more information and to register for a tour, or call 419-285-1800 for fun during this free drop-in event. 11am– 1pm on Saturdays through Labor questions and scheduling. Social distancing required and face masks must Day be worn properly, including in outdoor settings.  Middle Bass Island Poker Kayak Day, Middle Bass Island  LEIC Benjamin Woods Preserve Dedication, Put-in-Bay Saturday August 7, 12:00 p.m. on Middle Bass Island; Cost - $20 pre- Sunday, August 8, 2:00pm. Cost – FREE Put-in-Bay Township Park District registration $25 on site. Kayakers start and finish at the Middle Bass Island and their partner the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy will dedicate a new State Park west beach (No starts later than 1:00 pm). The paddle around preserve on Sunday, August 8, 2021 at 2:00pm. The new lands were the island includes three additional stops (the State Park Marina, the MBI purchased with funds from The Conservation Fund, a private donor East Point Preserve, and the Kuehnle State Wildlife Area/Petersen Woods and the Conservancy. A trail from the Benjamin Woods joins with the Preserve). A welcome packet at the start has a description of the course Cooper's Woods Preserve trails so access is available from either preserve. and information about the stops. Stops are staffed with volunteers for A celebration will be held at the Benjamin Woods Preserve parking lot on safety and to distribute poker cards and snacks. The finish has a cook-out Langram Rd. with a reception to follow. Parking is also available at the with hot-dogs, chips, and bottle of water while 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place Cooper's Woods Preserve parking area adjacent to the Mother of Sorrows winners are determined. Proceeds from the event will benefit signage for Catholic Church. the Put-in-Bay Township Park District’s newest preserves on Middle Bass (Continued on page 9)

Freshwater Sensations Welcome to The Christine Ontko Boardwalk! Bed and Breakfast 341 Bayview Ave PO Box 307 Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 419-366-1036 419-285-3695

8 6th Annual Island Green Week—Cont’d

 Lantern Tour of Historic Hotel Victory Grounds, Put-in-Bay Sunday, August 8 from 7:30pm to 9:00pm; Cost - FREE. South Bass Island State Park will host a Lantern Tour of the infamous Hotel Victory grounds. This family event will start with a beautiful sunset at South Bass Island State Park and end at the Hotel Victory Swimming Pool Pavilion. The tour will highlight various still-existing features of the Hotel Victory, a history of the grounds, and exciting facts about life at the Hotel. Tour provided by Naturalist and Island Resident Renee Market. Miller Boat Line Stargazing Cruise, Put -in-Bay *Pre-Purchase of Tickets Recommended Monday, August 9 at 8pm; cost - Adults - $25, Kids - $15. The ferry cruise will leave from the downtown Miller Boat Line dock on Put-in-Bay just before sunset. The stars will light up the sky as Cleveland State University instructor and astronomer, Jay Reynolds, will engage with the guests sharing information about the night sky, planets, and stars. Passengers will have an amazing opportunity to enjoy the show from outer space as the ferry boat travels around the Lake Erie Islands. Wine and appetizers will be provided. BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR AND BEVERAGES. Tickets are available at the Wildlife Center on Meechan Rd., or by credit card over the phone at 419-285- 3037.  Wild Tuesday, Put-in-Bay Tuesday, August 10 From 1pm to 3pm at the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center; Cost –FREE. The purpose of our Wild Tuesday programs is to educate visitors and residents about Ohio’s native wildlife by providing up-close and hands-on interactive experiences. This is a really “wild” family event. Wild Tuesday features live animals, colorful crafts for children, and educational opportunities for all ages! If your curiosity is peaked, we invite you to visit all of our Wild Tuesday Events throughout the summer, we look forward to being WILD with you.

(Continued on page 10)

Handmade chocolates, The Candy Bar fudge, saltwater taffy, ROBERT APLING + ASSOCIATES 170 Delaware Avenue ice cream and over 500 2155 Oak Harbor Rd. Put-in-Bay, Ohio kinds of candies! Fremont, OH 43420 (Find us on Facebook!) 419-285-2920 419-355-8200 Providing highly personalized tax, accounting, and financial advice

9 6th Annual Island Green Week—Cont’d

 9th Annual Pig Roast & Raffle, Put-in-Bay *Pre-Purchase of Tickets  Homecoming, Kelleys Island Required Friday, August 13 - 14. Cost - FREE Homecoming is an event sponsored by Wednesday, August 11 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the Goat Restaurant; KILA (the Kelleys Island Landowners Association) and serves as a weekend Cost - $20 Pre-Purchased $25.00 on site. Participants will be treated to a for those who love this island to return and enjoy fun, food, and slow spit-roasted hog with corn and potatoes along with tasty sides entertainment. For the third year in a row, the festival will last 2 days. All donated by The Goat Soup and Whiskey. Live entertainment will set the Homecoming events will take place at the Kelleys Island Pavilion, located mood with your favorite songs. There will be a silent auction with a variety on Addison St. of unique island prizes such as: Ferry Passes, a biplane ride, gift certificates  LEINWC Ribbon Cutting, Put-in-Bay to local restaurants, hand-crafted artwork, and more. Raffle tickets will be Sunday, August 15, 2:00pm. Cost – FREE Lake Erie Islands Nature & available at the Goat Restaurant on the day of the event. The proceeds Wildlife Center will be hosting a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new from this event will benefit the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center. building addition. It will celebrate the culmination of years of fundraising Tickets are available at the Wildlife Center on Meechan Rd., or by credit and planning and acknowledge our donors who were vital in the card over the phone at 419-285-3037. completion of this ambitious venture. The ceremony will be held onsite  Historic Gibraltar Island Tour, Put-in-Bay with a reception to follow.

Monday August 9th and Thursday August 12 (or by appointment for The following businesses have generously donated discounts, please groups of 10), tour times are 10:00- 11:00; 11:30 - 12:30; 1:00-2:00, 2:30- support them during your visit to Put-in-Bay, Middle Bass Island, and 3:30. Cost is $10 per person and tour rotations are limited to 10 people Kelleys Island. with pre-registration required so make sure to schedule in advance! https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/visit/gibraltar The one hour-long island tour Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands- http://www.shoresandislands.com will include a glimpse of the history and natural history of this island, Heinemans Winery www.heinemanswinery.com including the historic Stone Laboratory and Cooke’s Castle. Transportation Park Hotel- https://www.parkhotelpib.com to and from Gibraltar Island is paid separately via the Boardwalk water Miller Boat Line- https://www.millerferry.com taxi. This is a wonderful experience for every member of the family. Visit go.osu.edu/SLtours for more information and to register for a tour, or call Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce- http://www.visitputinbay.com 419-285-1800 for questions and scheduling. The Boardwalk- http://the-boardwalk.com Social distancing required and face masks must be worn properly, Ohio State University’s Stone Laboratory- https://stonelab.osu.edu including in outdoor settings. Island Bike Rental- http://www.ibrcarts.com/public/bike_cart_rental  Nature and Geology Walk at the Massie Cliffside Preserve Put-in-Bay Gazette- [email protected] Thursday, August 12 at 9:00am. Cost - FREE We will take a look at the Put-in-Bay Historical Society- http://www.leihs.org exposed cliff face and beach and view the unique plants and animals that Jet Express- https://jet-express.com make their home here on the island. Park in the lot on Columbus Ave. Led E’s Golf Cart- https://www.esputinbaygolfcarts.com by a naturalist with the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy. Ohio State Parks- http://parks.ohiodnr.gov  Painting at the Park, Put-in-Bay Frosty Bar- http://frostys.com Friday, August 13 at 6:00pm Cost - $30.00. Come to the beautiful Oak Cameo Pizza- http://pitinbaycameopizza.com Point State Park on South Bass Island for an evening of painting and nature. We will supply the materials and Mother Nature will supply the Kelleys Life- https://kelleysisland.com/kelleys-life subject matter. Island artists will guide you to capture your subject on canvas. This event is open to ages 13+. BYOB event. Rain or Wind Location Transportation Discounts will Be the Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center Porch. E's Golf Cart Rental- $10 off day rental, August -1 8th. For discount mention Island Green Week.  Historic South Bass Island Lighthouse Tour, Put-in-Bay Miller Boat Line, - Discount to participants for passengers for Put-in-Bay Friday, August 13. Cost - $5. Tours begin at 9am. Check the website for and Middle Bass Islands. available times. https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/visit/south-bass-lighthouse Island Bike Rental- $20 off day golf cart rental at Jet Express and Lime Kiln Pre-registration is required and group sizes limited to 5 people, so book Dock, Put-in-Bay on Monday to Friday ONLY. Mention Island Green Week. early! Guests will be able to tour the South Bass Island Lighthouse Tower and learn about its history; climb its stairs up 60 feet to take in the Island Lodging Partner Discount stunning views of Put-in-Bay and Lake Erie from the top of the tower. All Park Hotel, https://www.parkhotelpib.com - August 3-6 Sunday through Guests may walk the historic grounds that include a butterfly garden Thursday ONLY. Buy 2 weekday nights get 1 night FREE. THIS DISCOUNT certified by Monarch Watch. On the National Register of Historic Places, CAN ONLY BE RESERVED BY PHONE 419.285.3581. Mention Island Green this lighthouse is sure to impress. Visit go.osu.edu/SLtours for more Week. information and to register for a tour, or call 419-285-1800 for questions Commodore Resort Hotel, https://www.commodoreresort.com/ - August and scheduling. Social distancing required and face masks must be worn 10, 11, and 12th, 10% Off all lodging. This Discount can only be reserved by properly, including in outdoor settings. PHONE: 419-285-3103, must mention Island Green Week to receive discount.

Erie Island Carts.com Yardworks At the Airport ~ Overnight rentals PO Box 538 and Reservations welcome 419-285-GOAT( 4628) Dan and Valerie Kowalski Put-In-Bay, Oh 43456 Owners (419-) 285-2147 Catawba Avenue 419-285- KART 10 Earth Day 2021 By Lisa Brohl Thanks to this group of volunteers who pulled over 40 bags of the invasive garlic mustard on Earth Day from the Cooper’s Woods Preserve. This was part of the Earth Week Challenge with prizes given for those pulled a bag of garlic mustard, picked up a bag of garbage, upcycled one object and turned in the Challenge form to the sponsors—the Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center or the Lake Erie islands Conservancy. List of Participants in Photo: Pat Thwaite Booker Angela, Olivia, and Drew Mary Myers Christensen Suz and Scott Dershem Kate Byrnes Valerie Chornyak Doug Stiedl Sarah Toole Emil Michael Linda Frederick Elena Schroeder Andy Van Camp Lilian Frederick Missi, Caleb and Cody Jessie Greene and Aaron Kowalski Hill Photos: Above—Earth Day Group Photo; Below—1st Row: Environmental Club on Earth Day; Emil Suzanne, Ella, and Lucas Michael; Vince, Vivien Scarpelli and Kristin Stanford 2nd Row: Andy Van Camp from NPS; Suz Dershem; Kristin Stanford and Vivian Val Chornyak 3rd Row: Ella Kostura, Kate Byrnes, Doug Stiedl, Lilian Frederick, Lucas Kostura; Sarah and Vincent Scarpelli Kostura, Sue Ferguson Toole; Scott Dershem; Mary Myers; Linda Frederick

The Dodge House “Family owned since the 1880’s” www.DodgeHousePIB.com ~Largest Waterfront Family Lodging on Put in Bay~ Perfect for Weddings, Family Reunions, Corporate Retreats 419-341-9760 Re-Opening Soon! 11 2021 Middle Bass Island Spring Bandout 2021 South Bass Island Spring Bandout April 24th – 30th May 10th – 14th East Point Preserve, Put-in-Bay Township Park District Vineyard Bed & Breakfast

Number Species Number Species Number Species Number Species

1 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 Brown Thrasher 6 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 2 Chipping Sparrow 1 Sharp-shinned Hawk 1 European Starling 3 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Field Sparrow 2 Red-bellied Woodpecker 5 American Goldfinch 1 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4 Lincoln's Sparrow 1 Downy Woodpecker 1 Eastern Towhee 3 Downy Woodpecker 2 Swamp Sparrow 1 Northern Flicker 2 Field Sparrow 2 Least Flycatcher 24 White-throated Sparrow 1 Blue-headed Vireo 3 Swamp Sparrow 2 Great Crested Flycatcher 7 White-crowned Sparrow 49 Blue Jay 21 White-throated Sparrow 1 Blue-headed Vireo 12 Baltimore Oriole 4 Tree Swallow 22 Red-winged Blackbird 2 Warbling Vireo 5 Brown-headed Cowbird 3 Red-breasted Nuthatch 5 Common Grackle 8 Blue Jay 199 Red-winged Blackbird 1 Brown Creeper 3 Northern Waterthrush 8 Tree Swallow 20 Common Grackle 6 House Wren 1 Blue-winged Warbler 1 Barn Swallow 6 Ovenbird 1 Winter Wren 1 Orange-crowned Warbler 4 Black-capped Chickadee 2 Northern Waterthrush 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 2 Black-and-white Warbler 2 Red-breasted Nuthatch 9 Nashville Warbler

2 Swainson’s Thrush 1 Prothonotary Warbler 10 House Wren 5 Black-and-white Warbler 13 Hermit Thrush 3 Palm Warbler (Western) 2 Carolina Wren 4 Common Yellowthroat 1 Wood Thrush 2 Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler 4 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 5 American Redstart 24 American Robin 2 Northern Cardinal 7 Veery 1 Northern Parula 1 Gray-cheeked Thrush 1 Magnolia Warbler 34 Total Species 194 Total Individuals 18 Swainson's Thrush 9 Yellow Warbler 4 Hermit Thrush 3 Black-throated Blue Warbler 6 Banding Days 689.8 Net Hours of Effort 2 Wood Thrush 7 Palm Warbler (Western) 43 Recaptures 3 Escapes 20 American Robin 23 Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler 0 Casualties 241 Total Birds handled 21 Gray Catbird 1 Black-throated Green Warbler 0.34 birds handled per net hour 2 European Starling 1 Wilson's Warbler 1 House Sparrow 12 Northern Cardinal Bold = Uncommon banded species for island Red = New banded species for Island 5 American Goldfinch 1 Indigo Bunting

Bander:Tom Bartlett 52 Total Species 506 Total Individuals Extractors: Paula Bartlett, Lisa Brohl, Nancy Welter Assistants: Russ Brohl, Chris Helmam, Teddi Keith-Morris, Tina Larson, Ann & Ken Shelton, Bob Stausmine, Janet Stearns, and Sue Ungvarsky 5 Banding Days 737.00 Net Hours of Effort 67 Recaptures 6 Escapes

Middle Bass Island Historical Totals: 106 species banded, 4731 1 Casualties 580 Total Birds handled individuals banded 0.62 birds handled per net hour The Prothonotary Warbler was new for the Lake Erie Islands and the Sharp- shinned Hawk was new for Middle Bass Island. The Prothonotary Warbler Bold = Uncommon banded species for island was only the second I have banded in 51 years. The 194 total birds banded Red = New banded species for Island was almost 100 below 2020 total and is our second lowest total for the Middle Bass Island Spring Bandout. 2021 was the 8th year of a Spring Bander:Tom Bartlett Bandout for Middle Bass Island. We have averaged 286 individuals banded Extractors: Paula Bartlett, Lisa Brohl, Nancy Welter for each bandout with a high of 675 individuals in 2018 (6 days) and a low of Assistants: Russ Brohl, Ken Farber, Teddi Keith-Morris, Janet Stearns 172 in 2014 (4 days). This is has been a very slow spring for bird banding so far. Migration seems to be somewhat behind but will catchup soon… South Bass Island Historical Totals: 103 species banded, 9,446 individuals banded Recapture Information Thanks to the Barnhill family for access! 43 recaptures were recorded of 37 individuals. Some individuals were We had some interesting recaptures from recaptured more than once during the week. Two individuals were banding on South Bass before. The originally banded in 2015, one in 2016, five in 2017, three in 2018, five in oldest was a red-winged blackbird that 2019, eleven in 2020, and ten earlier in the week (April 2021). The oldest was 11 years old, two that were six and individual was a Red-winged Blackbird banded April three that were five years old. We now 26, 2015, making it a minimum of 8 years old. The have proof that these blackbirds love to next was a Northern Cardinal banded July 10, 2015 return to our island to nest. One of the red making it a minimum of 7 years old. Then another -winged blackbirds was originally banded Red-winged Blackbird banded June 12, 2017 on Middle Bass. We also banded a making it a minimum of 6 years old. Four more Baltimore Oriole that had been banded individuals were a minimum of 5 years old. They here 10 years ago, a blue jay that was were a Black-capped Chickadee, a Red-winged banded here 8 years ago, and a northern Blackbird, and 2 cardinal banded here on South Bass 7 Northern Cardinals. years ago and another 5 years ago. We were lucky also to band a red-bellied Photos: Prothonotary woodpecker that was at least 4 years old Warbler—photo by Paula according to banding data. So not only do Bartlett at MB; Sharp- we have a lot of migratory birds passing Photo: Great-crested shinned Hawk—photo through, but many birds coming back Flycatcher—photo by Paula by Paula Bartlett at MB multiple years to our habitats! Bartlett at SB 12 2021 North Bass Island Bandout June 1st – June 4th North Bass Island (Isle of St. George), Ohio North Bass Island State Park and Vineyards

Number Species Number Species 1 Yellow-billed Cuckoo 1 European Starling 1 Black-billed Cuckoo 2 House Finch 2 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 8 American Goldfinch 1 American Woodcock 1 Song Sparrow 1 Yellow-shafted Flicker 2 Orchard Oriole 1 Olive-sided Flycatcher 21 Baltimore Oriole 4 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 7 Brown-headed Cowbird 5 Alder Flycatcher 57 Red-winged Blackbird

2 Willow Flycatcher 1 Common Grackle 4 “Trail’s” Flycatcher 1 Tennessee Warbler 1 Eastern Phoebe 2 Mourning Warbler 2 Eastern Kingbird 2 American Redstart 1 Warbling Vireo 3 Magnolia Warbler 3 Red-eyed Vireo 24 Yellow Warbler 4 Tree Swallow 1 Blackpoll Warbler

10 Barn Swallow 1 Canada Warbler 3 Black-capped Chickadee 1 Wilson’s Warbler 2 House Wren 13 Indigo Bunting 7 American Robin 4 Gray Catbird

208 Individuals banded 38 Species banded 4 Banding Days 354 Net hours 6 Recaptures 2 Escapes/releases

0 Casualties 216 Total Birds Handled

Bander: H. Thomas Bartlett (Federal Permit # 21624) Extractors: Paula Bartlett, Lisa Brohl, Nancy Welter Assistants: Russ Brohl, Valerie Mettler, Ann & Ken Shelton, and Janet Stearns

North Bass Island Historical (2010-2019) Totals: 24 species banded, 700 individuals banded North Bass Island Historical (2010-2021) Totals: 43 species banded, 908 individuals banded

In the summer of 2009, Dr. James Marshall, of Rockford College in Illinois, began a banding study of the vineyards on North Bass Island with his summer classes at Stone Lab. Dr. Marshall is a sub-permittee of mine and has used my bands during the study. I assisted when I could as it is always great to get to North Bass Island. In 2020 and 2021, Stone Lab closed due to COVID-19, so no banding was to take place. In talking with my banding assistants on South Bass and Middle Bass, we thought it would be interesting to attempt to band on North Bass Island at some point in the spring migration. I have been committed to banding on Kelleys Island, South Photos: Clockwise from top—15,000 bird banded on the Bass Islands-Indigo Bass Island, and Middle Bass Island from mid-April through May each year Bunting; Olive-sided Flycatcher; Lark Sparrow checking out all the activity—Photo for the last 10+ years. Because 2021 migration seemed different and a little by Tom Bartlett; American Woodcock behind at the beginning we decided to see if we could band on North Bass the first week of June. Many migrants are still moving through even in a effort. North Bass Island shows a lot of promise for future banding efforts. normal year. Nancy Welter, spearheaded the week by getting the North Special thanks to Russ Brohl, Ken Shelton, and Bob Glauser for getting to Bass Island Lodge House for three nights. Several of us came over on May and from the island. None of this would have been possible without their 31 and moved in the banding equipment. There early on June 1, we arrived support and efforts. And to the Isle of St. George banding team of Paula on the island with the rest of our stuff. We had 16 mist nets up by 8:00 AM Bartlett, Lisa Brohl, Nancy Welter, Ken & Ann Shelton, Janet Stearns, and and were capturing birds almost immediately. By the end of the day on Valerie Mettler. Tuesday we had banded 98 individuals of 26 species. On Wednesday we were basically rained out but managed a few net hours and banded 16 H. Thomas Bartlett Research Associate individuals but added four new species. Thursday was somewhat windy but 1833 South Winfield Drive Cleveland Museum of Natural History we managed to band 73 individuals and added another five new species. Tiffin, Ohio 44883 1 Wade Oval, University Circle Friday, we knew would be a short day but we banded 21 individuals and add Federal Permit # 21624 Dept. Ornithology three new species. At the end of the four days we had banded 208 Cleveland, Ohio 44104 individuals of 38 species. 19 of these species were new to the banding list Division of Wildlife Wild Animal Permit #21-059 on the island. We have now banded 908 individuals of 43 species in eleven Division of Parks and Watercraft Permit Collecting Permit years. However, this is only in 39 banding days and 1523.75 net hours of 13 Preserve News! By Lisa Brohl Schmidlin Construction installed this new sign for the Middle Bass Island East Point Preserve dock/shoreline. Now the sign can be easily seen by kayakers following the Lake Erie If you notice these staked areas with colored Islands Water Trail. flagging in Cooper’s Woods Preserve, we will A new bench at the soon to open Benjamin be experimenting with four test plots for Woods Preserve. Thanks you Patty and Carl controlling the first year rosettes of garlic Lo Presti—Carl trying out new bench! mustard with EnviroScience this fall. Leah Bilski and Lisa Brohl of the PIBTPD set up the plots this spring with mixed spring wildflowers and garlic mustard.

A new sign for the Dieperink-Schneider tract of the Middle Bass Island Forested Wetland Preserve. Thanks Schmidlin Construction for getting it installed and to Jim and Betsy Brohl for providing it in honor of Sarah and Brett Brohl.

The PIBTPD just A new path at Cooper’s Woods Preserve to placed a new make a loop on the Park District property bench in memory and join Benjamin Woods Preserve. Thanks of Karl Schmidlin to Richard Gump and crew! Enjoy the new at the MBIEPP. map by EnviroScience! We appreciate his help with projects The new sign at Benjamin Woods Preserve. there and thanks to Schmidlin A new path construction for at MBIEPP installation! leading to a shaded picnic spot—

Thanks to YardWorks for making sure the looking nice entrances to Dodge Woods Preserve and thanks to Chris Scheeff East Point Preserve look great for Helman. summer!

14 Native Plant and Tree Sale Success! By Lisa Brohl 6th Middle Bass Island Poker Kayak Day!

Sat., August 7, 2021 12 p.m.– 4 p.m. (Rain Date Sunday, Aug. 8th)

To BENEFIT signage for the MBI preserves! 1. Mark your calendar. 2. Fill out registration form. (you will get Photo: Ken Farber delivers trees to DeRivera Park To HIGHLIGHT the coastal MBI preserves employees John Galvin and Jeffrey Sedilko and the MBI State Park! map and kayak # at start) 3. Sign “Waiver and Liability Release” Thanks to all who ordered from us for our Native  form. Tree and Plant Sale this year! We appreciate our 4. Mail or hand registration form + signed providers, Ed Kapraly at Riverside Native Trees and Kayakers start and finish at the Middle release + check/money order payable to: Gale at Natives in Harmony for working with us Bass Island State Park west beach. The “Put-in-Bay Township Park District” to: again! Special thanks to board member Ken Farber paddle around the island includes three Tina M Larson who picked up and delivered the native trees and additional stops (the State Park Marina, 1245 North Shore Drive plants for our Conservancy! Watch for some of the the MBI East Point Preserve, and the nice native plants and trees at the Lake Erie Middle Bass Island, Ohio 43446 Kuehnle State Wildlife Area/Petersen Islands Nature and Wildlife Center’s wildlife Questions? Email: [email protected] windows and planting beds this year too donated Woods Preserve). A welcome packet at (Sorry OSU & MSU fans...) or call: 248- by the Conservancy sale! Native plants and trees the start has a description of the course 320-4529 bring native butterflies, pollinators, and birds!!!! and information about the stops. Stops Cost is $20 if pre-registering and $25 on- are staffed with volunteers for safety and site day of the event – BUT YOU CAN to distribute poker cards and snacks. DONATE MORE TO BENEFIT THE Submit Your Photos! The finish has a cook-out with hot-dogs, PRESERVES!! Attention Nature Lovers chips, and bottle of water while 1st, 2nd, In case you’re feeling generous to fund and Photo Buffs: and 3rd place winners are determined. whole or in part: consider a large entrance Interested in submitting Start no later than 1:00 P.M., depending sign $1500; 17”x22” interpretive trail sign your Conservancy nature photo(s) for upon your kayaking leisureliness! (Well, $200; (donor name/s on signs included); recycled plastic bench including name/s consideration for the there IS a finish time limit.) info inscription & installation $2000. 2022 LEIC Calendar? (Direction and sequence of stops See instructions and details below!  For registration forms, go to http://bit.ly/ subject to change due to lake and • Send all of your Conservancy related entries MBI-Poker-Kayak-Day-2021, or stop at the weather conditions.) to [email protected] with “2022 Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Calendar” in the subject line. Pics for the  Feel free to get out and walk around Center or at the Middle Bass Island State Newsletter can be sent there too! at any of the stops! Park or e-mail at [email protected] or • Include the photographer’s contact info Because of people’s different schedules [email protected]. (name, email, phone, etc.), a short and kayaking abilities, one need not be description of subject and details. Make sure present to win! (We’ll tell you!) Deadline to register for this awesome to include where/when the photo was event is July 30th! taken. Photos should be a t least 300 dpi at  1st prize: Round trip ferry boat tickets for 2 11.5” wide by 9” tall. adults and 1 vehicle (for PIB or MBI) Proceeds from the event will benefit the nd • If selected, you’ll receive photo credit and 2  2 prize: Gift card to Middle Bass General Put-in-Bay Township Park District’s Store calendars! newest preserves on Middle Bass Island. We can’t wait to see all of your wonderful  3rd prize: Bag of frozen shrimp from Costco submissions, so go enjoy the seasons of the preserves: spring, summer, fall, and winter!!

15 LEIC Tote Bag & More for Sale By Lisa Brohl The Lake Erie Islands Conservancy still has recycled canvas tote bags made in the USA for sale for $20. They are a great gift for any season! We still have a variety of tote bags made by Jill Cooks from sail cloth that we have for sale as well. Images of these are attached. Larger bags are $30 and the small bag is $20. We have both solid color Conservancy t-shirts for adults made in the USA with organic cotton and tie-dyed print shirts for kids for sale as well. $20 each (see below right). If interested in purchasing any of these for yourself or a gift any time of the year, please contact Lisa Brohl at phone or text at 419-366-2087 or e-mail at [email protected]. Of course, the gift of a year membership with the LEIC would be a great option too (See note below)! LEIC and PIBTPD Wish List

Summer is here and the Conservancy is working hard, but this is our busiest time and we could sure use your help! As we shared previously, more and more people are discovering the preserves and walking the trails, which is very exciting, but we still need your help to build them, monitor them, and keep them maintained. Do let us know if you or anyone you know can help out with any of these items at [email protected] or 419-366-2087. Or you may have skills you wish to contribute—please call! New members—Check us out at www.lakeerieislandsconservancy.org! LEIC T-shirts Available! • Larger Office Space • Adobe, Access, and Arc GIS Programs or Any season is a great time to pick up an LEIC t- volunteers with these skills. • Assistance sorting, organizing office. shirt! Here are new t-shirts in kids sizes and a • Website and Social Media Assistance • Recycled Copying Paper, Ink for Printers (Brother LC 61, HP 970XL, HP 971Xl-must new look for our • Paper Shredder not be generic) adult tees. Still • Volunteers Always Needed-spread mulch • Golf Cart for Summer Transport of tools on trails, removed downed trees and pick and people. up litter-garlic mustard pulling, amur honeysuckle removal-all preserves. • Land Protection Fund Donations

Russ Brohl helps clear made in the USA of More THANKS... downed trees from Benjamin organic materials at LakeScreen Printing in Lorain, Ohio. Contact Lisa at 419-366-2087 or Thank you Krissy Woods/Cooper’s Woods Trail. and Evan Hart for [email protected] if you would like to checking out our purchase one. wood duck boxes AND/OR off of the Petersen Woods/Lawrence An annual LEIC membership gives someone our Evans tract this quarterly newsletter and info on our programs. A spring. donation to our Land Protection Fund in someone’s name is a great gift that keeps on giving with the purchase of new preserves for us all to enjoy!

LEIC board member Linda Shull with AmeriCorps Mark Zekial Gau with more mulching on intern Regan Chance the Benjamin Woods/Cooper's Monnett— assisting Woods trail spending shown with with in- some quality grandfather stall of time Kelly Faris fencing at checking and mother Benjamin Megan preserves Woods Gau. and recycling Preserve! containers.

NEWS INFORMATION PHOTOS

www.putinbaydaily.com

16 Thanks to Burns Pierce for his A Special THANKS... help in clearing down trees on the paths at our preserves and We appreciate Marv Booker and the LEINWC. crew for maintaining the mowed area around benches at the Thanks Ken and Cameron Farber Massie Cliffside Preserve. We are experiencing the loss of our shown here with Tom and Paula blue ash at our preserves- Bartlett. They also cleared the path pictured here at the Massie at the Dodge Woods Preserve for visitors and Ken, who happens to Cliffside Preserve. Mr. Booker be assists with downed trees in this one area too. of our Conservancy Board Members, Here is Susan Ferguson mowed the bird banding area in doing what she seems preparation for Tom and Paula’s arrival this spring! And last but not least, They helped to like best-cleaning up unload all the bird banding equipment to our trails! We love it! store for fall use.

A huge shoutout to Tom Thanasiu for installing the new book along the Put-in- Bay StoryWalk® at the Dodge Woods Preserve with Karen Here’s Kathryn Ranieri Wilhelm from Erie pulling garlic mustard on Islands Library! Check their property on Meechen LEIC Member Mike out the new featured Rd. Anywhere we can get rid Motyka visited South book: “What if You of this on the islands is great Bass recently to offer Had an Animal Tail?” so that it does not spread his help with cave by Sarah Markle. further to our preserves! preservation projects. We appreciate Ava Heineman Thanks Greg and Paula the help of and Emil Ziebarth for getting the Michael were out purple martin rigs up and Evan Hart to monitor the early this spring ready for their arrival! pulling bags and prothonotary bags of garlic warbler mustard in our boxes he made for the Cooper’s Woods Middle Bass Island Forested Preserve. Wetland Preserve. Here are tree swallow and house We appreciate wrens nests in the boxes so the help of Bob far. Watch for sign on trail Stausmire for soon about the boxes. mowing at the Thanks Sandy Funtal and MBI East Point Thanks Scott Ferrell and Brian Hovey for donated Preserve before Richard Gump for putting wildflower seeds to make the spring up new signage at our plantable seedballs for May banding there. Cooper’s Woods Preserve. 9 Plant Sale at LEINWC!

We appreciate the help of Doug Stiedl shown here working hard mulching the Thanks Chris Helman trail at for our your volunteer Benjamin efforts at the MBI East Thanks Jack Booker for mulching Woods! Point Preserve and the trail at Benjamin Woods and keeping an eye out for Cooper’s Woods Preserve! us there. 17 New and Renewing Members Friends Donations/Grants Ellen and John Ballas Bench for Benjamin Woods- Life Members Elaine and Howard Martens Mary Ann McCann Marie Pope and Rob Hard Patty and Carl LoPresti Mary Nahan Brohl Cave Sign-Cooper’s Woods Michael McIntyre and John Baker Elizabeth Heineman Mella and Clark Davies Preserve-Dustin Heineman Lisa Benjamin Valerie Mettler Joan French and family Marv and Pat Booker Kurt and Carol Miske Greg Millat Dr. Andy Jones Ron and Audrey Borchert Marsha and Ray Collett-for Mark Nemec Shannon McDonald Jon D. Brausch preserve signage Chris and Kathy North Debbie Schankula Jim and Betsy Brohl Roger & Mary Parker Jane and Paul Touchet Russ & Lisa Brohl Phil Walton Joe Rutter Mary Ann and Rich Plewacki Linda and Dave Bugoci Hank & Gayle Polcyn

Valerie Chornyak Carol Richardson Supporters Middle Bass Music Festival David and Jacquelyn Clark Casey and Mary Katherine Richard and Carol Roberts Middle Bass Dock Company— Alan & Stacey Clink Fritz and Pam Rudolph Carty Music Fest sponsorship Gary and Carol Coates Mary L. Staley Mike Gora Julene Market in Memory of Ken and Jennifer Farber Kristin Stanford Dustin Heineman Paul Aquilla Frederick Fether Matt Thomas Ed and Paula Hubner Christian L. Geiss Carley Tobias Suzie and Art Otermat Land Protection Fund Richard Gump Yardworks-Valerie and Dan Scott Jackson Dave and Bonnie Petro Brian Betz and Dianne Kestler Kowalski Judy and Joseph Janicki Shelley Szymko Betz-Matching Gift First Zoe and Brad Titchener Energy Foundation Karen A. Jennings Marge Pristas Mary and Tom Katzenmeyer David and Jacquelyn Clark NEW Life Members: Linda Shull Bob Krause Charitable Fund (A Fund of Joyce and Bill Slough John & Paula Ladd Mark and Lisa Berens the American Endowment Janice Williams Georgia MacVean Sandra Brausch Foundation) Julene Market Ken and Ann Shelton Toddy and Jim McMonagle Contributors Marge Pristas Pat and Anne Dailey Carolyn Conrad Janice Williams Paula Garsteck Todd Martin Jean and Bob Hilt Don’t forget! Donations in Memory of John M. Horvatich Stewards Become an annual Jack Ohlemacher Kathryn Knaser Zoe and Brad Titchener sponsor of our Linda and Joe Shull Jerry and Susan Lupfer newsletter for $100. Patrons Lisa and Russ Brohl Steve and Sue Prahst Place an ad in our Bruce and Kim Miles Penny Schmidlin newsletter and receive an Donations in Memory of annual Friend Membership Business Membership with Pam Niese Hughes FREE! Ad Daniel and Tamara Almendinger Call 419-366-2087 The Dodge House-Michelle Lisa and Russ Brohl Heineman Gregory and Michelle Burkhart Susan and Mike Byrnes Background Photo: :Large-flowered Trillium

(LAND PRESERVATION Continued from page 1)

Victory Woods Lots - There is an opportunity for us to preserve three acres of lots for sale in Victory Woods-beautiful wildflower display in the spring! Priced at $80,000/acre. We currently own two other lots in this area. The LEIC may set up a Land Protection Fund with the Ottawa County Community Foundation to use for future preserve purchases. A minimum of $25,000 is needed to set up the fund- donations received can be saved for this opportunity. This fund could grow and be ready when we need it. Photos: Carpet of Dutchman’s Breeches at Victory Woods this spring; Beautiful Large- flowered Trilliums at Victory Woods

18 LEIC Membership Form* Membership Notices are sent out annually- In addition to my membership, I would like to donate to:

this is for new memberships-share with your friends Land Protection Fund

__$25 Friend __$50 Supporter __$100 Contributor I would like to contribute $ ______to the Lake Erie __$100 Friend/AD __$250 Steward __$500 Patron Islands Conservancy, to be used only for expenses related to the purchase of land. __$1000 Life I understand that I will receive a Certificate of Donation for income tax purposes. Name______

Stewardship Fund Spouse/Companion______I would like to donate $______to the Island Address PO Box ______Put-In-Bay, Ohio 43456 Stewardship Fund to help maintain those properties owned E-mail ______by the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy.

Permanent Address______Please make checks payable to (LEIC) Lake Erie Islands Conservancy Please Send to: PO Box 461, Put-in-Bay, Ohio 43456 City ______State _____Zip______All donations are tax deductible. Thank You!

Phone # ______Cell # ______*To join LEIC online, please go to

Island #______https://lakeerieislandsconservancy.org/membership/

IN MEMORIAM

Pamela Susan Hughes Jamie P. Berger Pamela Susan Hughes, 59, of Jamie P. Berger, 63 of Salem, Ohio, Put-in-Bay, Ohio passed away passed away on Saturday, March 20, on Saturday, January 23, 2021. 2021 after a short illness from CJD Greg and Pam and her husband (Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease). Jamie had Greg purchased the Island been our long time website manager General Store from father Tip in and designer of MBI Music Festival 1991 and in 2004, they built icon, Bennie on Bass. Board member, BayShore Resort. A funeral Bruce Miles brought him to our mass was held on Saturday, Conservancy to help with our web site April 24, 2021. Memorial and conservancy promotional efforts. contributions may be given to Bruce and Jamie were friends and Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, P. O. Box 461, Put-in-Bay, OH collaborators from a very young age. There will be a 43456. We are grateful for the support we have received in celebration of Jamie’s life in Cuyahoga Falls OH on Pam’s memory. June 26th. Donations can be made to: Online: cjdfoundation.org or mailed to The Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease Foundation, 3634 West Market Street, Suite 110, Akron, OH 44333. Fred B. Prinz We will miss Jamie's work ethic, creativity, and rare sense of humor. Jamie loved beer so raise a glass in his honor. Prinz, Fred B. age 54 of St. Paul, MN, passed away unexpectedly on January 27, 2021. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Prinz. He is survived and deeply missed by his mother, Judy Prinz, and sisters Barb Prinz (Bill Phipps) and Patty (Jeff) Johnson along with nephews Brendan and Matt Ernest L. Hisey Johnson. Fred was kind to all and had a strong work ethic with Ernest L. Hisey 83, summer resident of Middle Bass Island, husband of great dedication to his job. A celebration in honor of Fred's life Bernadette and father of Lee Hisey. Memorial contributions may be will take place this summer on Put In Bay, Ohio, with interment forwarded to the Choral Departments at either Avon Lake High School or at Maple Leaf Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Hallie Q. Brown Cleveland State University. Ernie worked with us and the Ohio Division of Food Shelf of St. Paul or the Animal Humane Society. Wildlife on one of our first island preservation projects at the Kuehnle Fred, along with his LEIC member mother, Judy Prinz, assisted State Wildlife Area on Middle Bass Island. with our land preservation projects.

19 PO Box 461 Put-In-Bay, Ohio 43456 PLACE STAMP Phone: 419-366-2087 HERE E-Mail: [email protected] We’re on the Web! www.lakeerieislandsconservancy.org

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Board of Directors Chairperson Lisa Brohl Secretary/Treasurer Kelly Faris Board Members Dave Bugoci - Susan Byrnes Marsha Collett - Ken Farber Dustin Heineman - John Ladd Peggy Leopold - Bruce Miles Linda Shull - Kristin Stanford Paula Ziebarth Advisory Council Carol Richardson - Richard Gump John Dodge - Julene Market Bob Russell - Nancy Welter Newsletter Editors Lisa Brohl Michelle Pennington

Stay active and get some much needed fresh air with LEIC events—keep checking our website and Facebook pages for more info!

**All LEIC associated Events scheduled for the coming months could potentially be cancelled due to the current COVID-19 global pandemic. Please watch Facebook or the LEIC Website (https://lakeerieislandsconservancy.org/) for updates. Please Note: While we are hoping you and your family are taking appropriate measures to stay safe as we all navigate this challenging time, please remember that the Island Preserves (https://lakeerieislandsconservancy.org/maps-of-the-lake-erie-islands/) are all open and a wonderful place for you to get out and get some fresh air and exercise with your family. (Please remember: If you’re taking your pets with you, make sure to follow posted rules—on leash, use provided doggie bags, etc.) Special Tax Note: Those who make cash donations to public charities will be able once again to deduct those donations on their 2021 tax return, even if they take the standard deduction and A HUGE Thanks to Bostwick- don't itemize their return. Braun for printing assistance!! This is an extension of the charitable tax deduction on 2020 standard deduction tax returns. The difference between the 2021 and the 2020 charitable deduction is that in 2021 the deduction allowed will be up to $600.00 for those who are married and file jointly. (versus $300.00 per return in 2020).