HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-11-10SAMUEL WILMOT NATURE AREA ADVISORY COMMITTEE
MINUTES OF MEETING OF NOVEBER 10, 2020
7:00 P.M. BY Google Meets
Present: Patrick Bothwell, Leo Blindenbach, Meaghan Vandenbrink, , Tom Hossie,
Jocelyn Whalen, Maggie Luczak, Brian Reid, Ken Mercer ( staff) , Rod McArthur
Regrets: Kate Potter
Adoption of Agenda: moved by Patrick Bothwell, seconded by Tom Hossie, that
the agenda be approved. CARRIED
Approval of Minutes: Moved by Leo Blindenbach, seconded by Patrick Bothwell,
that the minutes of the meeting of October 13, 2020, be approved. CARRIED.
Updates/Status Reports:
Monarch Tagging Program, 2020: Tom reported that as of the current date he
had 375 completed tags with some still outstanding. Meaghan advised that she
had an additional 50 which would be forwarded to Tom. Once all have been
received Tom will upload them to the central data base. The combined total is
very satisfying , particularly given that the tagging could not be done as a
community event this year but rather was done entirely by committee members .
Well done, everyone. Special thanks to Tom for leading the campaign again this
year.
Wildflower/Pollinator Garden Project: Leo reported that this project, which
commenced in August of 2019, has been completed. Final cultivation and seeding
was done on November 4t" by Mr. Kirk Kemp, owner of Algoma Orchards of
Newcastle, who generously provided the labour and equipment o make this
happen. Brian advised that he had submitted an article about the project for
insertion on the SWNA blog site and that a formal letter of appreciation would be
prepared and sent to Mr. Kemp. The Committee will also look into the possibility
of having a Certificate of Appreciation generated by the Municipality to thank Mr.
Kemp for his contribution. The committee also extended its appreciation to Leo
for spearheading this project.
Tom noted that some type of signage might be available through Wildlife
Preservation Canada who provided the grant to us in the first place. Brian will
contact the organization to advise them that we have competed the planting and
enquire about signage.
Great Lakes Local Action Fund Project: Jocelyn advised that we were unable to
meet the short deadline to submit our application for this year but that she had
been able to assemble the application package, relevant information including
costing etc. She has also had discussion with representatives of Connected Creeks
who have undertaken a similar project. She noted that there were opportunities
for a collaborative approach going forward. It was suggested that we approach
the local MPP about possible extension of the application deadline. But it was also
noted that we require approval from the municipality to proceed with submission
. Ken and Brian will look into the steps required to obtain that approval. It was
also noted that we will need to involve the communications department of the
municipality to some extent because of the project's potential connection to the
municipal website. Jocelyn was thanked for her efforts in working on this
application and project.
Considerable discussion took place including around the possibility of establishing
an independent website in conjunction with a process of generating QR codes and
placing them on existing signage. This might help us determine the degree of
interest in/and usage of this type of mechanism for disseminating information
about the SWNA. It might also be possible to incorporate connection to our I
Naturalist " site " into this initiative. A subcommittee was formed to investigate
these things. Members are Tom Hossie, Maggie Luczak, Patrick Bothwell and
Jocelyn Whalen.
Other business: none
Next Meeting: scheduled for Tuesday December 81". Members were asked to
enter this date in their calendars recognizing that the meeting might be cancelled
by the Chair if there is insufficient information or materials to justify a meeting.
Adjournment: Moved by Leo Blindenbach, , seconded by Patrick Bothwell that
the meeting be adjourned. Carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.