Green Saves Green Meeting Minutes

Monday, Sep 14, 5:30 p.m.

Pasquotank County Library


Present: Martha Ann, Sharon Burtner, Sheila Davis, Jane Elfring, Julie Foster, Annette Garthwaite, Woody Garthwaite, Donna Gilbird, Laura Granado, Marlene Greer, Rodney Johnson, MaryAnn Jordan, Steve King, Bill Kruse, Sue Kruse, Dylan Lloyd, Sue Miller, Don Pendergraft, Anne Radke, Ali Rooney, Arion Staten, Steve VanGiesen, Gail Ward, Asantewa Washington, Terry S.


Chair Report

We completed our Do Not Litter poster contest sign project. We took 12 winning posters and made 72 aluminum signs and placed them throughout the city and county. The signs have been well-received by the community.

Christian Jones was hired as the new Pasquotank County Litter Management Coordinator. He’s already joined in a couple community litter cleanups. He will be our guest speaker for the Nov. 2 meeting.

Student Environmental Projects

Northeastern High School FFA students have cleaned up one of three courtyards they plan to renovate. GSG member Sue Member is working with the students to determine their vision for the courtyards, the cost, and who they need to involve. Sue will advise of upcoming cleanup events and other ways we can help out. We plan to invite the students to a GSG meeting to share their ideas.

River Road Middle School started the NexTrext Recycling Challenge this month for the second year in a row. The students are nearing their goal of collecting, sorting, and recycling 1,000 pounds of soft plastics. When they do, if they don’t win in the prize drawing, GSG will buy a NexTrex bench made out of recycled material for students to place on campus. Everyone can help. Drop soft plastics in the collection bin at the Pasquotank County Library. 

Fall Litter Sweep Planning

Our Fall Sweep started in 2019 with a cleanup of Halstead Extended. Since then, we’ve given away kits for DIY cleanups, worked with students to clean up their campus, cleaned up various roadsides, and tackled downtown Elizabeth City. Where to this year? Suggestions include: Continue focus on downtown, student campus cleanups, and roadsides around a public school. No decision was made. The Litter Team will discuss and advise the group of the plan.

Paddle and Camping Trip

Rodney Johnson is planning a two-night trip Oct. 9-10 on the Holladay Island camping platforms with various daytime paddle options. He asked people interested to let him know. An email with details and a request to commit will be coming out this week to those who expressed interest.


Festivals and GSG Exhibits/Children’s Activities 

We have two events coming up and need volunteers: Oct. 24, Dismal Day, Dismal Swamp State Park, and Nov. 14, E.C. Urban Forestry Commission Fall Foliage Festival at Fun Junktion. Marlene showed several examples of GSG past exhibits and children’s activities. Terry, Bill, Sue, Julie, Sheila, Asantewa, and Arion volunteered.


Upcoming Events

  • Sep 21, Monday 8am – Watershed Watch sampling

  • Sep 25 Friday, 1-4pm – HAB microscopy training at Albemarle Regional Health Service building. Plus learn water sampling using the Aquatroll and other instruments. Everyone is welcome. Advise Marlene if you want to attend.

  • Oct. 12 Monday 8am-Noon – ECPPS Ignite at Northeastern High School. GSG table. Volunteers: Marlene, Donna, Sue

  • Oct. 12 Monday 5:30pm – GSG Meeting, Pasquotank County Library

  • Oct. 13 Tuesday 10am-3pm – Northeast Trails Alliance Annual Confluence, Moratoc Park, Williamston. Rodney, Nita, Karl, and Anne attending.

  • Oct. 19 – Watershed Watch Sampling

  • Oct. 24 Saturday 10am-2pm – Dismal Day, Dismal Swamp State Park. GSG Table and children’s activities. Volunteers: Marlene, Terry, Bill, Sue

  • Nov. 2 Monday 5:30-6:30pm – GSG Meeting

  • Nov. 14, Saturday 10am-2pm – E.C. Urban Forestry Commission Fall Festival, Fun Junktion. GSG table and children’s activities. Volunteers: Julie, Terry, Sheila, Arion, Asantewa

Other Business

Dylan Lloyd, E.C. Planner, introduced himself and advised he has opportunities for paddle trail grants and would like to be involved in litter cleanups.

Next meeting Monday, Oct. 12, 5:30pm at Pasquotank County Library