Friends of Hoyt Park, Inc..

Annual Holiday Party Changes

It's time to reboot that much loved Friends of Hoyt Park tradition, our Holiday Party. As we all know too well, the holiday season is jam-packed with much to do, and for people with families, it gets really busy. So, in an attempt to increase the number of people who can attend, and to combat the mid-winter blahs, we are moving the party to February. Venue and date to be announced. But, worry not. This event will still be the spirit of past parties - fun, something special, nice food. Look out for our announcement.

Hoyt Park Year in Review 2014

Did you know that in 2000, the invasive tree buckthorn covered 89% of Hoyt Park? True. Now, that same invasive's presence has been reduced to 44%. How do we know these numbers? From our ranger Danny Volz's tree survey that he conducted over the summer. And how did buckthorn's presence get reduced from 89% to 44%? "Buckthorn busting" as Danny noted in his 2014 Hoyt Park Ranger Report.

Danny and Mandy get married in Hoyt Park Yes, we were lucky to get Danny back for a second stellar return engagement as our Park Ranger, and he did great job. Oh, did I say "return engagement" for Danny? Better yet, he and his fiance Mandy were married in the park last August!

Danny's other accomplishments include, but are not limited to: public outreach, graffiti control, helping enforce park rules, treating and removing invasive species, adding or fixing trail water bars. In the coming year, we would like to try some new things: for example month bird walks led by volunteers, doing trail improvements, putting in interpretive sings related to geology, quarry history or invasive species management.

The Friends of Hoyt Park have an excellent relationship with the City of Madison, which is finishing up the replacing the fence that goes along the quarry's upper ledge and is working with a contractor to do some concrete work on the stairs that got washed out a bit last summer.

Well, as they say, we couldn't do it without you, so please renew your membership and perhaps kick a bit more than usual to make sure that we can continue to do what we do.

Membership Renewal

Please renew your membership to FHP for calendar year 2014 or become a member using our membership form. Your volunteer and financial support helps maintain the award winning activities of FHP so that you may enjoy a great neighborhood park. We encourage you to check the box for emailing newsletters so more of your donation goes to Park projects.

Holiday Giving

Make your generosity count this holiday season. Please give to The Friends of Hoyt Park. All donations are tax deductible. Mail to: FHP, Inc., P O Box 5542, Madison WI 53705-0542.

Dott Memorial

Dott Memorial stone Prof. Robert and Nancy Dott, two stalwarts and original members of the Friends of Hoyt Park have been honored with a boulder, this to be found in the north end of the park in the old quarry. Baraboo quartzite it is, just like the stone found at Devil's Lake. It should also be noted that FHP member, and former student of Prof. Dott, was instrumental in getting this project done. Go for a walk in the park and take a look.

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Mark Your Calendar

2015 Board Meetings

Thursday, January 8
Thursday, February 12
Thursday, March 12
Thursday, April 9
Thursday, May 14
Thursday, June 11
Thursday, July 9
Thursday, September 10
Thursday, October 8
Thursday, November 12

The FHP Board meets every month, except August and December, on the 2nd Thursday of the month in the meeting room at Sequoya Library, 4340 Tokay Blvd., from 6:45 to 8:45 p.m. (unless otherwise noted). All members and concerned citizens are welcome. There is a standing agenda item for public comments. Meeting minutes and other documents are kept in folders at the Library.

Full Moon/Owl Walk

Monday, February 2, 2014

Great Backyard Bird Count

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Holiday Party

February 2015 (details soon)

Nature Walks

Wednesday mornings
8:00 a.m. as weather permits
main parking lot

T-Shirts

FHP t-shirts are available at the annual meeting and picnic. To order a t-shirt, contact Jean MacCubbin at 238-4863.

Available at the Annual Meeting

adult long-sleeve - $20
adult short-sleeve - $16
children short-sleeve - $12

Notecards

FHP note cards made from the Ann Rutecki painting make great gifts or use them for holiday cards. FHP note cards are available at Century House and the Parks Divison office and are available at the annual meeting. A package of 6 cards is $10. LAST CHANCE! Only 8 packets left.