Nannen Arboretum Society Inc. Trustee Meeting, July 13, 2026   

A motion was made by Mike/ Ed to approve minutes of May 11, 2026 meeting. Carried.

Financial Report submitted by Laurie was reviewed.  The CD is coming up for renewal A motion was made by Ed/ Mike to renew the CD and approve the report. Carried

Committee Reports/Projects:

  • Tree Mapping and Signage:
    • 8 new smaller sized signs for Dwarf Conifer Garden will be ordered by Mike this next week.
    • A few more miscellaneous signs needed throughout the arboretum.
  • Tree Maintenance and Trimming:
    • 2 crabapples near dumpster need to be trimmed and one that is dead needs to be removed. Ray has requested getting some of the pine trees in the front need to be trimmed and weeds growing in between needs to be removed.
    • Still awaiting info on trimming hawthorns from Matt Tatick. Steve called again and is still waiting for an estimate.
    • A watering schedule needs to be set up. Monday is covered; Steve will do Wednesday afternoons. When it is very hot, watering should be done on Fridays. Nan will water the flowers. A list of items on watering schedule will be posted in shed.
    • A motion was made by Laurie / Ed to purchase 3 flexible 100-foot hose $55-$89. Carried
    • 5 tree protectors, in black, 48 inch $39.95. Steve donated.
  • Ground and Infrastructure:
  • Bartz estimate $1311.00 for sealing the pathway. Paul will follow up with them.
  • Products for the pond from Smith Farms Muckbiotics and Nature’s Blend will need to be reordered soon
  • NYS DEC stocking permit was obtained and received an approved for 3 grass carp. Paul and Ed were given the info needed to take road trip to Holland to pick them up.
  • Al Cox: The dirt berm is complete and will need to be mulched perhaps the first 12-15 inches to cut down on weeding. Would like to obtain some new plantings for that area.
  • Herb Garden: is looking great. Some of the dogwood shrubs need to be removed and placed in another location.
  • Solar panel area needs plastic put down and covered with wood chips.
  • Northrup Area: More wood chips will be removed after mulching is caught up. Plan on a Monday in August and Steve will bring his tractor.
  • Communication:
    • Received a request from Kim Oudemool CCE for a 6–8-week, Tues night, 1 hour program using the arboretum. Possibly the auditorium in the building.
  • Volunteers:
    • A few new volunteers have been added this year. We are hoping to keep them welcomed.
    • A hot dogs and salad cookout, possibly on Monday July 27th at noon. A reminder will be sent out on Sunday before.
    • Nan’s new coffee pot has arrived!
  • Education:
    • ECS 3rd and 5th grade visits to the arboretum went very well. Thank you notes from the students were received as well as email from Katie Mendell, Elementary Principal
    • We need to start thinking about fall education program and possible add something for adults.
  • Community Programs:
    • Silent Book Club: No big numbers of attendees yet, but everyone that has attended loves the peaceful setting the arboretum offers.
    • The Ellicottville Town/Village: does a summer youth program. Perhaps we should check with them about a reading hour or small group tours. Steve will contact Tracey Stokes the Ellicottville park activities director to discuss it.
  • Town of Ellicottville:
    • A follow up with Ben Gross is needed, about work to be done on pond feed water movement.
  • Dwarf Conifer Garden:
    • Was weeded this morning and more mulch was applied. Three more planting and some expansion in size completed. Still more weeding and additional mulch needed.
  • Group B Tourism Grant:
    • The new flyer is complete and printed: It will be distributed the chamber, county building etc.
  • Entrance:
    • The shadow box is in place: Currently 3rd grade puzzles pieces are displayed.
    • Tari Trethewy will be contacted about printing some photos.
    • Dog waste containers: new bags have been received.
    • A garbage receptacle is needed at the entrance: 32–36-gallon range to match existing pet waste container
    • Use of display box in Herb Garden: Discussion on putting in some pictures.

Motion to adjourn by Laurie / Ed at 1pm