Join the White Mountain Audubon Society and Eric Kramer on April 3 at 6:30 p.m. and April 4 at 8:00a.m. Kramer will discuss the Woodland Lake expansion and forestry health.
A Pinetop-Lakeside resident since 1983, Eric Kramer is a certified project manager and holds a master’s degree in business administration and an undergraduate degree in Journalism. He has served on the board of Save Our Park for 15 years and is now the president of the group that was established for the protection and development of Woodland Lake Park.
The White Mountain Audubon Society will hold its first meeting of 2024 on April 3 at 6:30 at the White Mountain Nature Center, 425 N Woodland Road, Lakeside. Kramer, will be talking about the dramatic expansion of Woodland Lake Park which will give Pinetop-Lakeside one of the largest recreation and nature areas of any community in the state. He will discuss the scope of the expansion, tentative plans for the property and what is needed to care for the larger park and its facilities.
According to Kramer, “Forest health is a big thing, and we are looking hard at what that really means, including preserving thickets for wildlife habitat in the context of overall fire safety. In many respects it is important to figure out what we will do, and what we won’t do. While the ADA compliant amenities in the existing park are nice, we are looking at a more rustic natural look and feel for much of the new property.”
Save Our Park work groups are making progress on important water issues, ranging from keeping the lake full to making the springs again visible at nearby Big Springs.
“I like to view the area as a whole, including the existing park, the expanded park, the Nature Center, Big Springs and Mountain Meadows Park. This brings us to about 640 acres of nature and recreation in our small community. Something we will be able to brag about,” Said Kramer.
“Everything we do has to be coordinated with the Town. We are striving to keep the Council involved in the process and expect they will sign off on our plan.”
Kramer will lead a walk from Woodland Lake to Big Springs on Thursday April 4 at 8:00 a.m., weather permitting. Meeting in the boat launch parking area, he will explain more about the Save Our Parks projects. Experienced birders will join him.
White Mountain Audubon Society first meeting: April 3 at 6:30 p.m.-White Mountain Nature Center, 425 N Woodland Road, Lakeside
Woodland Lake Park walk with Eric Kramer: April 4 at 8:00 a.m.- Woodland Lake Park boat launch parking area.
White Mountain Audubon Society
PO Box 3043
Pinetop AZ 85935
Contact: Mary Williams, President
mary.williams@arizonachristian.edu
480-235-1792
White Mountain Audubon Society website
White Mountain Audubon Facebook
The White Mountain Audubon Society meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 at the White Mountain Nature Center in Pinetop-Lakeside from April to November. Meetings feature guest speakers who focus on birds and the environment. They are free and all are welcome.