Nannen Arboretum Society Inc. Trustee Meeting May 11. 2026 Minutes

Review and Approve minutes of April 13, 2026 meeting: A motion was made by Paul / Diane to approve the minutes of the April Meeting. Carried

Review and Approve minutes of Annual Meeting April 24, 2026: A motion was made by Blair / Paul to accept the minutes of the April 24th meeting. Carried

Financial Report:

  • Laurie submitted the financial reports. Income is good. Morgan Stanley is same. A motion was made by Diane/Paul to approve the financial reports. Carried

Committee Reports/Projects: 

Tree Mapping and Signage:

  • There is a new size sign for Dwarf Conifer Garden Mike has a list of signs for Schubert’s. Most signs will have barcodes on them

Tree Maintenance and Trimming:  A full list of trimming needs after more leaf development.

  • Hawthorn trimming Steve had a discussion with Scott from Town of Ellicottville. The town wanted to brush hog the hawthorn bushes. The Trustees need to address this by coming up with a new plan. Maybe remove 2 or 3. Steve will contact Matt for an estimate

Ground and Infrastructure:

  • Town cannot do sealing of pathway. Steve got a quote from Lakeshore paving for $4147.00. He will also contact Kingsview and Jim Rauh Enterprises out of Jamestown
  • Steve will check his supplies with products from Smith Creek to start the pond treatment, when temp of pond rises.
  • DEC grass carp application needs to be completed then purchase. Steve will call Whispering Pines with the information they need how many of what kind of fish are in the pond

Al Cox

  • Railroad ties have been removed, will need additional dirt for berm to be determined. Bruce Winship will be contacted.
  • The dirt for the additional plantings is in place. Treated wood post for water supply is needed. The ski club  will be contacted for additional support and or donation.

Herb Garden

  • Working is happening. Need to look at plan and develop best strategy to accomplish goals including removal of dogwood bushes to put elsewhere and new ground cover is needed. Need suggestions.
  • Rocks need to be reset deeper.

Communication:  Arboretum received a $30.00 donation.

Volunteers:

  • There are 4 new volunteers this season
  • Steve will try to have board updated each Monday, so we know what needs to get done.
  • Steve will bring an additional lawn tractor and wagon.
  • A motion was made by Diane / Blair to purchase a new coffee pot for $59.00 to replace old one. Carried
  • We need to organize a signup sheet or put someone in charge of snack at breaktime on Mondays and give them a budget?

 Education:

  • ECS Third Grade will be coming on Thurs May 28 with approximately 30 students.
  • Nan will have 8 stations set up and tour will be from 12:30pm – 2:30pm.
  • There is no commitment from the ECS Fifth grade class yet.
  • The NY Forest Owners Assoc Alleghany Foothills Chapter is looking to have a “family” day in the arboretum this summer whereby they would have us repeat some of the stations we used for ECS third and fifth grade and the younger visitors.

 Community Program

  •  Silent Book Club flyer is ready for approval to print. A motion was made by Blair / Paul to approve the revised flyer. Carried
  • People can join at silentbookclub.com. This needs to be posted on the website and Facebook.
  • Steve wrote an article for submission to local papers.

 Memorial Program:

  • The bench for the Japanese Pines area is ready and will be delivered to Laurie.

Town of Ellicottville:

  • Steve talked to Town Engineer Ben Gross in regards to tree trimming, pond feed, and pollinator path.
  • Millings will be put down and a picnic table will be place on one area.

Dwarf Conifer Garden:  update from Nan

Group B Tourism / Arboretum Flyer:

  • Flyer was updated with new narrative and photos and sent to printer

Entrance:

  • The shadow box has been added and needs photos added. Maybe get some photos of the volunteers.
  • A motion was made by Blair / Paul to pay Brenda $200.00 for her work on the flyer. Carried
  • History for future sign in the entrance area still needs to finalize. History will be sent to the trustees for review and possibly to make shorter.
  • Garbage receptacle at entrance – products available – garbage and poop bags need to be ordered.

Completed Events:

  • Farmer Neighbor Dinner: Ray, Nan, and Diane worked our information table and the red maple seedlings did make it in time for handout at the dinner
  • Arbor Day 2026: brief program, planted three trees, and great treats!
  • Motion by Mike/ Diane to adjourn at 1pm

Trustees present: Steve, Laurie, Diane, Mike, Blair, Nan, Paul

 

Patricia Milks