Green Saves Green Member Meeting Minutes

Monday, March 6, 2023

5:30 p.m., Pasquotank County Library


Present: Karl Brandspigel, Pete Bruderle, Sharon Burtner, Caszhmere Chaison, Nita Coleman, Phil Donahue, Jane Elfring, Marlene Greer, George Jackson, Blair Jackson, Charles Jordan, Bill Kruse, Sue, Kruse, Anna Montero, Jackie Nawrocky, Ray Scaffa, Jane Snyder, Cheryl Squire, Michelle Tangredi, Jared Tardiff, Tim Tolson, Steve VanGiesen, Ruth Wells, Adam White, Gavin White, Curtis Wrenn, Sheila Wrenn


Chair Report

GSG had a team for the USCG 5K. Jane Plough and Cheryl Squire both won the race in their age groups.

We have one board vacancy. The Nominating Committee nominated Jane Synder for the position. She was unanimously approved.


Plant A Valentine After Action Review

The Scouts enjoyed wrapping the trees and being a part of the event. Only complaint was the cold weather. Workshop was wonderful. Wild Birds Unlimited was incredible.

Some of the trees not given away were taken to Port Discover with one of our Free Trees signs. Adam and Gavin were able to give away all the trees they took.

Recommendations for next year:

Don’t hold the trees in storage as long. Give them out to various venues throughout the month of January and February and let them give the trees away. Each venue reaches a unique audience. We’ll be able to reach more people this way.

Have at least one smaller tree for people who don’t have space for large trees.

Hold the giveaway at a place with more activity and people passing by. Museum of the Albemarle did not have the foot traffic like the library or Port Discover.

Get a larger sign.

Try a more informal setting versus workshop. Invite different groups to come in and set up a table. People picking up their trees can go visit and chat with whatever group they choose. 

Select small trees that can be hedges.

It would be nice to have trees to give away at Heritage Festival, but they are not available then. We could allow people to sign up for the trees at the festival and pick them up in February.

If we split the tree giveaway to different locations, we could set up an online class people can log into from any location or even from home.


Pre-Marathon Litter Cleanup After Action Review

117 volunteers collected 136 bags of litter and other debris in the week leading up to the Coast Guard Marathon. We had many families and large groups, like the YMCA, ECSU and NEAAAT students, and a Cub Scout Troop, show up. Marlene read several positive comments and thanks GSG has received from those who participated. Many people thanked us for providing them the opportunity to do something for their community. Anna advised the NEAAAT students enjoyed the experience, and their teacher appreciated how we selected an area where there was not a lot of traffic and was safe for the students.

It was asked if we could use smaller trash bags to reduce waste. Litter sweepers don’t always fill up the bags, and we end up dumping the contents from one bag into another so we don’t waste the plastic. DOT bags only come in one size, and they are free.

This year’s roadside cleanup included several abandoned properties with heavy litter. Now might be a good time for us to approach county and city leaders to discuss a plan for litter removal. Perhaps require businesses to keep their properties clean. 

Nita advised the county board of commissioners discussed a litter management plan at its recent retreat. Commissioner Charles Jordan said he will talk to our group in May about the county’s litter management plan.

Sharon mentioned approaching businesses and asking if they might give a discount to people who bring in their own shopping bags to cut down on litter and waste. We have yet to begin our River-Friendly Business initiative. We are looking for members who might want to take on this project.


Goat Island Platform Restoration Project

Gavin White presented his Eagle Scout Goat Island Restoration Project to the group and requested funding in the amount of $1,600. He would like the funds as soon as possible to get lumber and other supplies needed. The project will take two days to complete. He plans to have it done by the end of March. Restoration will include: Cut back plants surrounding the platforms to let in more light and help keep it dry to reduce rot. Add a new bathroom door, hammock stands, plant labels, and a Geocache spot. Replace and rebuild the walkway to the platforms.

Questions were raised about ongoing maintenance. The platform is supposed to be maintained by the Parks & Rec Dept. Gavin advised he will come up with a maintenance plan to share with his Scout Troop. He said the troop will maintain it in the short term. It was suggested we provide funds in the future for ongoing maintenance.


Upcoming Events

  1. Boys & Girls Club Campfire Program. Cancelled for Wednesday. Will reschedule.

  2. Merchants Millpond Hike. Meet at Visitors Center 9 a.m. Friday, March 10. Everyone welcome.

  3. Tram Tour of Alligator River Wildlife Refuge. Saturday, April 1. Still seats left on the tram. Everyone welcome.

  4. Food Bank Herb Garden Planting. Anne might need volunteers. 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 5. 

  5. YMCA Wildlife Habitat Program. 10 a.m. Thursday, April 6. GSG’s Four Things Wildlife Need to Survive presentation geared for toddlers. Sue Kruse was invited to bring her puppets.

  6. MOA History for Lunch, Colleen Karl CEEG.  Colleen will be talking about their air and water quality program. Noon Wednesday, April 19.

  7. Sheep-Harney Campus Cleanup. 10 a.m. Thursday, April 20. Looking for 3 volunteers.

  8. COA Star Party. 6 p.m. Friday, April 21 at Fenwick-Hollowell Trail. Open to public.

  9. Earth Day F-H Trail Art. Saturday, April 22. COA Art Director Christina Weisner has several ideas about art-related experiences to honor Earth Day. Colorful signage on animals you can see on the trail. Paint more trash cans to place at trail entrances. Painting workshop before Star Party. Open invitation exhibit at AOA called “What Did I See?” Open to everybody to go to the trail and take a picture, do a drawing, or write a poem and bring it to display at AOA. Christine is requesting funding up to $1,000. Starting with $600 is OK. She can’t proceed without the funds.

  10. Missing Mill Park Cleanup with COA Earth Protectors. Saturday, April 29. Don’t yet know time or how many students. May need people to help out.

Next GSG meeting will be 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 3 at the Pasquotank County Library. 

Starting in May, meetings will be held on the second Monday of the month.