Projects
We have a lot going on here at the Hays Nature Preserve, and by the end of 2005, we will be starting projects in Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary. We have three main categories of projects: Recreation, Restoration, and Education.

Recreation
The Hays Nature Preserve will be establishing new trails to accommodate horseback riding, mountain biking, running, and hiking. Many people come down to the Preserve to fish, and others to picnic or read a book by the Flint River. Hunting is not allowed, and dogs are allowed but must be leashed to protect the wildlife. We are currently looking at setting up a Geocaching site in the Preserve.

Restoration
In the Preserve, the greatest threat to habitat diversity is the invasion of Privet (Ligustrum sinense). Each year, we have work Parties, including a bonfire and weenie roast in February to cut and get rid of the privet. Once the forest understory has been opened up, new trees and shrubs will come in. In selected places, we will plant native trees and/or shrubs, and possibly wildflowers. You can get a list of native trees and shrubs by contacting the City Ecologist.

Education
The ultimate goal is to have a Watershed Education Center here at the Preserve, with smaller interpretive centers along US 431 South at both the Hays Nature Preserve and the Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary. In the interim, the City Ecologist will provide programs on site under the wild blue, until facilities are constructed. But the great outdoors has a lot to offer, including night hikes held on nearly a monthly basis. Earth Day is held annually in mid-April, and the once in a blue moon Flint River History Festival will be packed with interesting information about the settlement of Madison County, as part of the Bicentennial Celebration of 2005.

Tours are given free of charge for groups of 15 individuals or more. Any natural history subject can be discussed from a pre-school level to the scholarly level.

Email:
If you wish to be added to our email list to be notified of upcoming events, please email Soos Weber (susan.weber@hsvcity.com) and you will be added to the list.