The Omena Woods Association (OWA) celebrated its 50th anniversary at its Annual meeting this past weekend. The organization’s mission is the preservation and health of the woods on Omena Point. John Ray, one of the nine founders, spoke about the history of the organization.
The OWA now works with a forester to keep on top of threats of both best practices and threats to our local woodlands. The latest one of these is the hemlock Woolly Adelgid, which is threatening local hemlock trees. There are treatments available and people are encouraged to do what they can to both save their trees and help prevent the spread of this invasive pest. For more information on invasive species check out the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network.
Many thanks to the current OWA Board, and to the past board members and volunteers over its 50-year history. The current Board members are Cathy Stephenson, president; Chris Evans, vice president; Bill Loveless, treasurer; David DeWitt, secretary, and members Scott Heiser, Judy Mardigian, Linda McKenzie, Liz Sugar, and Shep Tate.
