Open Space Committee to consolidate master-plan questions, expand school outreach and host Detroit Zoo conservation director

The Grosse Ile Township Open Space Committee agreed to consolidate questions from a recent master-plan study session and to coordinate follow-up with Community Development staff as the master-plan draft is finalized in March or April.

Committee members asked that individual questions be sent to James, who will compile and forward them to Ross Cuero in Community Development for staff review. The group recommended copying all committee members on submissions so the committee can avoid duplication and maintain a single question list.

Members also discussed stronger engagement with local schools in support of Earth Day and other outreach: teachers and students have already signaled interest in volunteer projects, and the committee plans to coordinate sign-cleaning, tree plantings or small educational programs during Earth Week. The committee noted the high school science teacher had already identified students interested in volunteer activities and that two student leaders from the high school had attended a recent communications meeting.

The committee announced a public field visit on Feb. 11 with Dr. David Dimitri, director of conservation for the Detroit Zoological Society. Dr. Dimitri will walk selected trails, with an emphasis on hydrology and amphibian habitat in Meridian Woods, and meet with the Grosse Ile Nature and Land Conservancy.

Ending: Staff will collect master-plan questions for Ross Cuero, expand coordination with the recreation department and schools for Earth Week activities, and host Dr. David Dimitri for a trails visit and conservation briefing on Feb. 11.