We have received the following notice from the mayor of South Russell Village who asked that it be passed along to birders. "The Village of South Russell will host a meeting on Monday, April 23, 6:30 p.m. about possible changes to the seventeen acres of parkland on East Washington (South Russell Village Park). Anyone who has a concern about birds might want to attend." The village knows how important the park has become to birders, especially as a breeding environment for Bobolinks (they prefer hay fields over mixed vegetation for breeding), Eastern Meadowlark, Savannah Sparrows and other field species. They want to present possible changes and give interested parties an opportunity for input. The village has made good choices in favor of the environment and the Bobolinks and they are good stewards in their roles as elected officials. This is the kind of public discourse most people ask for of government and I hope anyone attending will do so with a positive attitude and offer constructive comments. South Russell Village Park is an eBird HOTSPOT. 90 species have been reported since the park opened a few years ago. A July 4, 2017 checklist showed 42 species, most of which can be considered 'breeding birds' in the hay fields, forest, edge and mixed field habitats under the power lines. It receives a lot of use by area residents for birding, jogging, and walking (people and dogs!). A picnic pavilion was constructed in 2017 on the Bell Road side near the street and has received a lot of use by people and nesting Barn Swallows! Thanks, Matt Valencic "It is in giving that we receive." ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Please consider joining our Society, at www.ohiobirds.org/site/membership.php. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: listserv.miamioh.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]