Green Saves Green Member Meeting Minutes
Monday, February 10, 2025
5:30 p.m., Pasquotank County Library
Present: Martha Ann, Katy Boulden, Marion Boulden, Karl Brandspigel, Mark Brothers, Anna Cherry, Nita Coleman, Jane Elfring, Julie Foster, Laura Granado, Marlene Greer, Mahalia Hodges, Bobbie Hunsberger, Kurt Hunsberger, George Jackson, Rodney Johnson, Linda Jones, David Jordan, Mary Ann Jordan, Steve King, Bill Kruse, Sue Kruse, Cody Marks, Sue Miller, Lisa Purcell, Misti Rewis, Ali Rooney, Chris Scotto, Jared Tardiff, Steve VanGiesen, Abigail Villalba, Adam White, Holly White, Terry
Chair Report
Annual membership fees are due.
GSG has a team for the US Coast Guard Marathon 5K on March 8. Participants can walk or run. Everyone is welcome to join the team. Code is GSG. Register up until March 6. Cost is $60.
Board of Directors
Sue Miller was nominated and unanimously approved to serve a 2-year term on the Board.
Plant A Valentine Update
Jared reported that he has 500 healthy trees for the Valentine’s Day tree giveaway – 200 redbud, 100 sycamore, 100 black gum, and 100 live oak trees. They are all native to the area and pollinator friendly.
Albemarle Watershed Watch Update
Rodney and Holly reported there might be grant funds available through the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Partnership (APNEP) to continue GSG’s water sampling. APNEP recommended we request Pasquotank County apply for the grant, and if they decline, GSG can apply. Rodney will meet with the county manager to discuss. The approximately $7,000 grant would be for water quality testing from May to October this year.
Litter Sweep & Community Cleanup Plans
Our Pre-Marathon Downtown Litter Cleanup is set for Saturday, March 1 from 9-11am. Meet at Waterfront Park. If you would like a specific street or area to clean up, please let Marlene know. The litter team is planning a downtown cleanup the weekend before the Bass Tournament and TarWheel event. They are also looking into getting our name painted/printed on our safety vests and are considering a “Do Not Litter” sign community art project.
Student Outdoor Environmental Education Events
Adam and Jared reported a successful tree planting today with the EC Boys & Girls Club. About 20 children planted six of our Plant A Valentine bare-root seedlings, spread mulch, and painted rocks as borders around the trees. A Campus Cleanup with River Road Middle School students is set for 8:45am Thursday, March 6. Volunteers are Marlene, Bill, and Sue.
COA has invited GSG to its Ag Field Day, 9:30am-12:30pm, April 11 at its Demonstration Farm. This outdoor education day is for an estimated 100 middle and high school students. The students will rotate among various stations using a checklist to track their progress. GSG will offer its student water quality testing program. Volunteers are Rodney, Lisa, Dawn, and Jared.
Because ECPPS spring break is the week of April 21-25, our Earth Day plans have changed. We’re now planning a program 10am-Noon Tuesday, April 22 with 30-35 students ages 5 to 12 at Knobbs Creek Recreation Center. We will do our litter program followed by a litter cleanup. We are looking for a second program. The group decided on a nature scavenger hunt. Volunteers are Misti, Marlene, Linda, Jared. We need additional volunteers.
GSG Bass Tournament Festival Exhibit
GSG was invited to exhibit at the Bass Tournament Festival on Saturday, April 12 from 12-3pm at Waterfront Park. The group decided on presenting a “Be a River-Friendly Home” exhibit. Volunteers are Bill and Sue.
Upcoming Events
Feb. 14 – Plant A Valentine. 9-11am, ECP Senior Center, 2-4pm Camden Library
Feb. 15 – Plant A Valentine, 9-11am Pasquotank Library
March 1 – Pre-Marathon Litter cleanup, 9-11am. Meet at Waterfront Park.
March 6 – River Road Middle School Litter Cleanup, 8:45-10am.
March 8 – USCG 5K GSG Team, 8am. OK to walk or run. Meet at the starting line.
April 11 – Ag Field Day, 9:30am-12:30pm, COA Demonstration Farm
April 12 – Bass Tournament Festival, noon-3pm at Waterfront Park. GSG “Be a River-Friendly Home” Exhibit.
April 22 – Earth Day Program, 10am-noon at Knobbs Creek Recreation Center
Community Engagement opportunities
NC DEQ Public Engagement Session. Virtual. 6pm Tuesday, Feb. 25. Bill reported the state wants feedback on reducing climate emissions. Go to the NC DEQ website to register.
Carolinas Renewable Energy Development Assistance community meeting. 6pm Monday, Feb. 24 at Albemarle Commission, 512 S. Church St. Hertford.
Wind Farm Tour
Nita and Rodney are looking into a wind energy program at Museum of the Albemarle and a tour of Timbermill Wind in Chowan County on Saturday, June 7. Program may look at the differences between the 2017 turbines at Amazon Wind Farm and the new ones at Timbermill. Where does the power go? What wind farms are doing for the community? What is the impact on the wildlife, environment, and night sky/light pollution? 40-50 people, approximately 3 hours.
Other Business
Terry reported NC Senate Bill 20 prohibiting intentional balloon releases has been submitted and is in the hands of the state committee for review.
COA has invited GSG to join its newly formed Harris Demonstration Farm Advisory Group. The first meeting will be at 12:30 pm. Thursday, Feb. 20. Marlene asked any member interested in being on the advisory board to contact her.
Next meeting will be 5:30 p.m. Monday, March 10 at the Pasquotank Library