Green Saves Green Meeting Minutes

Monday, Oct. 12, 5:30 p.m.

Pasquotank County Library

Present: Karl Brandspiegel, Nita Coleman, Sam Dahl, Sheila Davis, Julie Foster, Woody Garthwaite, Donna Gilbird, Marlene Greer, George Jackson, Rodney Johnson, Linda Jones, Bill Kruse, Sue Kruse, Sue Miller, Julie Overton, Arion Staten, Tim Tolson, Steve VanGiesen, Gail Ward, Asantewa Washington, Holly White, Terry S.

Chair Report

GSG was a winner in the 3rd quarter NexTrex Recycling Challenge drawing. We have a choice of a Trex bench made from recycled material or a $500 gift certificate to the Trex store. Since GSG agreed to purchase a bench for River Road Middle School once the students reached 1,000 pounds, the group discussed accepting the bench as our prize to give to the school and using general funds to purchase a prize for Bridge Tutoring as a reward for collecting and sorting more than 900 pounds. A motion was made and approved unanimously. Marlene to contact Bridge to discuss and determine their preference of a bench or some of the life-size games.

Elizabeth City Chamber of Commerce annual $300 membership fee is due. The group discussed the value and lack of value of the membership. It was decided the decision to renew or not would be left to the discretion of the executive team.

Elizabeth City/Pasquotank County Parks & Recreation is in the process of developing a Comprehensive Master Plan and is seeking public input. The survey link was provided to members. We discussed whether GSG should submit a letter with its desires, including a Pasquotank paddle trail with multiple kayak access points, nature trails, shoreline access for student environmental education activities, living shorelines, and native plant landscaping. The consensus was yes with the addition of preserving public spaces, especially county-owned waterfront property. It was also suggested GSG ask to be a part of shaping the plan. A motion was made for GSG to write a letter, and it was unanimously approved.

Water Quality, HAB Training Class, HAB Toolkit, HAB 5th Grade Education

Rodney reported salinity levels from 6-9ppt since Watershed Watch teams started sampling in April this year.  Noticeable changes from the high salinity include cypress trees’ early leaf drop and a lack of algal blooms. According to our research partner at UNC, salinity between 6-9ppt retards algae blooms. This could be why we have not had one in our area this year.

Duke University researchers provided us with six trail cameras to mount near local waterways. The purpose of the camera is to record the entire process of an algal bloom if/when one occurs. We are awaiting word from Duke as to when the cameras should be installed. Likely next spring. They will be placed on private property where prior algal blooms have been reported on the Pasquotank and Litter Rivers and a few of their tributary creeks.

Several GSG members and Watershed Watchers attended the Sep. 25 Harmful Algal Bloom training on microscopes to identify bloom toxins and with the AquaTroll and Kestrels to gather data. It was informative and interesting, but the equipment is high maintenance and expensive. The group discussed the testing tools and determined they would be better placed and used by a regional governmental body with authority to issue a health warning or alert, such as Albemarle Regional Health Services. It was decided GGS would work toward this goal.

The HAB Toolkit is the culmination of a two-year project involving many partners, including GSG. The NC Dept. of Environmental Quality is creating a template for local governments to use to develop a HAB response strategy. GSG would like to see the county adopt a HAB plan using the toolkit. We’d also like to see ARHS as the lead government body designated to collect samples, test for toxins, and notify the public when necessary. It was decided we should set up a meeting with ARHS to discuss a partnership and joint presentation to county officials.

GSG is  involved in a HAB Education pilot project designed for 5th grade students. The education plan is currently at the testing stage. Once the product is finalized, it will be made available to schools and groups like GSG to use. Our plan is to add it to our student environmental education program.

Fall Litter Sweep

The Litter Team decided to focus on schools for this year’s Fall Litter Sweep. We’ll be cleaning up Peartree Road between Halstead Blvd. and Road St. on Oct. 17. This is where the Pasquotank Learning Campus is located. We are also planning Campus Cleanups with students at Elizabeth City Middle and River Road Middle schools.

Planting for the Planet Initiative

Due to time constraints, this presentation was moved to the Nov. 2 meeting.

Upcoming Events

  • Oct. 13 Tuesday 10am-3pm – Northeast Trails Alliance Annual Confluence, Moratoc Park, Williamston. Attending: Nita, Karl

  • Oct. 16 Friday 10-11am – ECMS Campus Litter Cleanup. Volunteers: Marlene, Gail, Linda, Norma

  • Oct. 17 Saturday 9-10:30am Fall Litter Sweep – Peartree Road

  • Oct. 19 Monday 8am – Watershed Watch Sampling

  • Oct. 24 Saturday 10am-2pm – Dismal Day, Dismal Swamp State Park. GSG Table on water quality with student test kits. Volunteers: Marlene, Terry, Bill, Sue

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

  • Nov. 5, Thursday 9-10am – RRMS Campus Litter Cleanup. Volunteers: Marlene, Gail, Donna

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

  • Nov 16 Monday, 9am – Watershed Watch water sampling

Other Business

None.

Next meeting Monday, Nov. 2, 5:30pm at Pasquotank County Library