Once again, GMAS had a jam-packed day, checking off grassland birds, butterflies and high-speed dragons. Byers Woods, which incorporates woods, prairie grasses, a butterfly garden, and ponds is an out-standing example of a creative use for a past landfill site.
Birding started the day, and presentations were given at the Ashland County West Holmes Career Center. Our emcee, Ashland County Comissioner, Matt Miller introduced us to Ashland. GMAS President, Cheryl Harner gave a brief history of Byers woods and awards to Tom Kruse and Marilyn Byers for the conservation work done at Byers. The keynote speaker, Jim McCormac of the Division of Wildlife, presented a power-point on grassland birds and conservation. An overview of the prairie and butterfly garden wias given by Dr. Dick Stoffer of Ashland College. After a great lunch, we broke into small groups suitable for searching out these grassland birds, with a short break to have a cold drink at the Byers building. Bobolinks and sunshine completed the day !
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