Logan Roberts Tama County Conservation Executive Director

The Toledo Womens Club met in the Toledo Library Meeting Room on February 11, 2020. There were nine members present. Donna Lasser, Earlene Bacon, Karen Havran, Arlene Gerlach, Ann McMullin, Floriss Adair, Sylvia Johnson, Nancy Carson and Carolyn Anderson. The Hostesses were Nancy and Carolyn.

The meeting was called to order and Donna gave a reading about Valentines Day. We gave the Pledge to the American Flag.

Our Program was Logan Roberts, the Tama County Conservation Director.

She gave a very informative program about the Otter Creek Park and the Nature Center. There are four employees at the present time. Brendon Kelly is the Naturalist and two others are park rangers and keep a general eye on all that goes on.

All of the 99 counties have a conservation department. As Logan took the position as Director when Bob Etzel retired then a new Naturalist was hired. They are getting along very well.

They are having field days for kids, Attend classrooms to explain the programs. Right now a big problem is the Honey suckle that grow quite rapidly and kills out other species of grasses. They are trying to dig out the plants and kill them so native grasses can have more space. They are cleaning up the downstairs of the Nature Center to put in classroom space so they can have more classes attending for programs. The Diarama is a very popular spot to enjoy. This is all finished now. They have new maps to show where all of the sites are at the park to make it easier to find what you are looking for They are also working on the lake to clean out the yellow bass that seem to take over and make less room for good fish. There are quite a few people that do come out to fish. Will also make more fishing jetties to make it easier to fish.

The fun Night is April 4. The program will be “Days of Hunters Gathering along the River”. They are hoping the proceeds of this night will help in finishing off the basement.

Roll call was taken with Happy thoughts spoken

The minutes were read and approved

The Treasurers report was not available since Marlene is with her very sick husband.

Unfinished business; Unable to catch up with the Tama Police Officers for the program in April. The Toledo Chief was to come however he has resigned.

The State-wide membership has increased in members for the first time in several years. The State Convention will be on April 23 and 24th in Cedar Falls at the Women’s Clubhouse.

They are starting two new clubs in West Des Moines and one in Davenport.

New Business

In April bring items to finish filling the health bags. Maybe find somewhere near here to distribute them.

Ann McMullin reported on Carbon Monoxide. It is a non smelling gas. With symptoms of the flu, or shortness of breath. If you suspect any thing call the Fire Department.

Meals on Wheel are down for us next month and May. As we get closer will get volunteers.

We agreed to provide caps and gowns for the Foreigh Exchange Students. They are approximately $40 each. We have three students this year.

We closed the meeting by reciting the Collect.

-Carolyn Anderson,

Secretary