Meeting called to order at 6:35pm with Steve, Doc, Ron, Anne, Colleen, Clark, Rhoda, Vicki and a welcome to the new member Shannon and Neil and John M. in attendance. 

January minutes were motioned by Clark and 2^nd by Colleen for approval.

Old Business:

Clark motioned and Ron 2^nd treasurer report. 

Colleen motioned and Ron 2^nd purchase of a microwave for the Visitor’s Center.

Website is up and running. Terrence, our paid consultant attended the meeting and received information for corrections and requests. More pictures and a membership application will be implemented. He suggested a paypal account so dues can be paid online. Vicki will e-mail Terrence the minutes and 6 months will be kept online.

Colleen will be sending letters re: membership and she will call those members without e-mail for mailing the minutes out.

Friends have decided to sell note cards by Jan Sandburg. She donated the 1^st 20. If she sells for a profit she has to get a user permission form Manager. The profit will be for the Friends so this does not apply.

Photo workshop 9-4pm on May 10 for children costs $10; photo workshop 9-4pm on April 26 for adults costs $25. Ron will check with Karin re: refreshments.

John M. inquired about moving forward with the Federal Land’s newsletter. Colleen motioned and Anne 2^nd that Friends will pay for set up of first edition of newsletter. Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer editions are projected. Refuge will pay for the printing.

New Business:

Teacher’s Appreciation Week is May 4^th. Vicki motioned and Ron 2^nd for teachers to receive 25% off merchandise May 4-12^th.

Rose motioned and Vicki 2^nd 3 books be donated to the Environmental Education Association of Illinois conference in May that Karin will be attending.

Colleen motioned and Vicki 2^nd that $1,000 is set aside for field trip reimbursements subject to application from the schools. 

Colleen will check with the Carbondale Wal-Mart and Steve will check with the Marion Wal-Mart about additional funds or grants for this.

4 open positions at the Refuge. Maintenance supervisor will be filled first.

Campgrounds and docks are underway.

Eagle’s nest at campground is being rebuilt.

Friends conference is early May. We are on alternative list to attend.

Geese harvest was up despite fewer days.

Meeting adjourned at 8:25pm. Annual membership of $10 is due.

REMINDER THAT THE MINUTES WILL BE E-MAILED TO THOSE WE HAVE ADDRESSES FOR. COPIES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE MEETING.

 NEXT MEETING IS March 6, 2008 AT 6:30 PM AT VISITOR’S CENTER