Green Saves Green Meeting Minutes

Monday, Nov. 2, 5:30 p.m.

Pasquotank County Library

Present: Karl Brandspiegel, Nita Coleman, Sam Dahl, Sheila Davis, Julie Foster, Woody Garthwaite, Marlene Greer, Bobbie Hunsberger, Kurt Hunsberger, Rodney Johnson, Linda Jones, Steve King, Bill Kruse, Sue Kruse, Becqui Masters, Sue Miller, Anne Radke, Harry Thompson, Steve VanGiesen, Asantewa Washington, Keisha Williams, Holly White

Guest speaker: Christian Jones, Pasquotank County Litter Coordinator

Pasquotank County Litter Coordinator Presentation

Christian Jones shared his three approaches to litter prevention - education, management, and coordination. Through outreach to schools, businesses, and the public, he is working to change habits before litter hits the ground. He's moving toward a systematic, rotating litter removal schedule and tracking recurring hotspots. He's working with the city, county, state, schools, and community groups to get everyone "pulling in the same direction." Christian also outlined his 2027 priorities, including addressing blowing litter. He reminded the group to report litter at litterline@co.pasquotank.nc.us.

Environmental Justice Forum Presentation

ECSU students Sheila Davis and Asantewa Washington attended the annual NC Environmental Justice Network Summit on Oct. 17 in Whitakers, NC. They shared the organization’s 17 Principles of Environmental Justice, among them public policy be based on mutual respect and justice for all people, free from discrimination or bias, and the right to ethical, balanced, and responsible uses of land in the interest of a sustainable planet for humans and all living things. The conference provided them with valuable insight into the correlation between public health and environmental issues and motivation to become more engaged and involved.

Water Quality Report

Rodney reported the Watershed Watch teams recorded the highest salinity levels ever. Charles Creek recorded 12ppt, and other areas were above 10. Nita shared several reports of jellyfish spotted in the sound, Pasquotank River at Treasure Point and Shiloh, the Little River at Dances Bay and Nixonton, and Edenton Bay. The group discussed who and what agencies should be notified. The group felt it was important the unusual instances be noted in an official capacity. Holly and Nita volunteered to work jointly to get the data and jellyfish photos to the appropriate agencies.

Planting for the Planet Initiative Update

State legislation requires native plants or seeds be used by local governments at sites receiving NC Parks & Recreation Trust grants. Newland Park was developed with Trust grants but was designed before the law become effective. We met with county officials and hoped the landscape plan for Newland Park would be changed. They decided not to due to cost concerns. But some progress has been made. In the county’s draft updated UDO, there is language that “encourages” developers to use native plants and preserve trees. A list of preferred plants is included. Though we would have preferred “requires,” this is progress. A public hearing on the draft UDO will be held on Monday, Nov. 16.

We’ve been advised by the Elizabeth City planning department they plan to recommend native species be used in landscaping buffers in its UDO update.

Holly mentioned finding nurseries offering native plants can be challenging. She advised reaching out to area nurseries to encourage them to carry native plants, and perhaps making a list to present to counties. She mentioned checking with NC Sea Grant for native plant nurseries. 

GSG Events Report

We had another successful Fall Litter Sweep. Fifteen volunteers spent 1.5 hours picking up litter along a one-mile stretch of Peartree Road. They filled 25 bags with litter.

We had great community interaction at our table for Dismal Day at Dismal Swamp State Park. About 20 kids participated in our student water quality testing. People got a look at our River-Friendly Home display and learned what they can do at home to protect river water quality.

Upcoming Events

  • Nov. 5, Thursday 9-10am – River Road Middle School Campus Litter Cleanup. Volunteers: Marlene, Gail, Donna, Julie

  • Nov. 7, Saturday, 9-10:30am – ECSU students litter cleanup of East Williams Circle. Christian to bring supplies. Everyone is welcome to join and help out.

  • Nov. 14, Saturday 10am-2pm – Urban Forestry Commission & E.C. Parks Fall Foliage Festival, Fun Junktion. GSG table will have interactive exhibit 4 Things Trees Provide Wildlife to Survive. Children’s activities: Make pinecone bird feeder and build animal habitat. Volunteers: Julie, Terry, Asantewa, Arion

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

Next meeting Monday, Jan. 11, 5:30pm at Pasquotank County Library