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Kirtlandia Society
General Meeting - October 11, 2003

Following coffee and conversation at 9:30 a.m., President Barbara Coleman called the General Membership Meeting of the Kirtlandia Society to order at 10:00 a.m. in the Rare Book Room of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Approximately thirty-five (35) members, guests, and Museum staff were present.

President Coleman announced that two long-time Kirtlandia members, Dora May Karmel and Pauline Moore passed away recently. Members observed a moment of silence to remember them.

Cecil and Gretchen Mellin, new Kirtlandia members, were introduced to the group. Barb Sciulli, Membership Co-chair modeled her Lands' End shirt with the Kirtlandia logo and said that she can take orders for it and other styles of merchandise. She has catalogues available. There was a suggestion that we could give totes with our logo to graduating Adopt-A-Students.

Treasurer Charles Greenwald reported that dues have been coming in very well with $2,200 received so far. The Board last month approved a $1,000 donation to the Smead Discovery Center for educational materials. The Investment and Endowment funds remain at $143,400. Miriam Smead thanked Kirtlandia for the donation to the Discovery Center. The money will be used specifically for "Discovery Boxes" for families to work on together.

Ann DuFresne reported that work would begin in November on the Adopt-A-Student program for its 25th year. Ruth Chase is working on a list of former students. The list will be given to the curators asking them for information on where their students are now and what they are doing. Ann also reported that Bob Segedi said that a biology professor at Oberlin is looking for grant money to support two students working at CMNH as Adopt-A-Students. Further, Ann stated that the Women's Committee is working on a fund-raising event after the first of next year and Kirtlandia will be asked to participate.

Bill MacDermott reported that a tentative list of next year's speakers is now available. This information is also posted on the Kirtlandia web site.

President Coleman then turned the meeting over to Bob Taylor who introduced the speaker, Damon Greer, Assistant Wildlife Management Supervisor from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, talking on "Wild Turkeys." Using a very professional PowerPoint presentation, Damon delved into the many fascinating facts about this strange looking bird. His talk about the wild turkey included information on:

· Historical Perspective (the turkey was originally native to Ohio's forests)
· Reintroduction Program (habitats were destroyed by colonization, deforestation, industrialization, urbanization, but none were here in 1904; since late 50's and early 60's have been trapped in other states and relocated to Ohio; now a population of about 220,000)
· Description (Ohio's largest game bird; 3-4 feet tall; weigh up to 24 pounds, depending upon sex; iridescent coloration-bronze with hints of red, green, copper and gold)
· Field Signs
· Habits & Habitat (adaptable; prefer mature forests; eat a variety of foods; make several sounds depending upon sex and age; feed in flocks)
· Reproduction (colorful mating rituals begin in April; polygamous; nest on ground in dense cover; 12 eggs average; incubation about 1 month)
· Management Across the State (based on sound biological principles; harvest about 20,000 per year, adjusted as needed to control numbers)

After questions and answers, the meeting adjourned at 11:21 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Susan MacDermott
Recording Secretary

Created 10/30/03