HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-10-13SAMEL WILMOT NAURE AREA MANAGEMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
VIRTUAL MEETING OF OCTOBER 13, 2020
VIA MICROSOFT TEAMS
Present: Carrie -Anne Atkins, Kate Potter, Leo Blindenbach, Tom Hossie, Brian
Reid, Ken Mercer, Patrick Bothwell, Rod McArthur, Jocelyn Whalen
Regrets: Corinna Traill, Meaghan Vandenbrink, Maggie
Welcome and Introduction of new Staff Liaison : Brian welcomed the members
to our first virtual meeting and introduced Ken Mercer . Ken is known to many of
us on the Committee by virtue of his role on the Operations side of things with
the Municipality of Clarington. Ken shared some details of his experience with the
municipality and this committee. We look forward to working together.
Approval of the Agenda: moved by Jocelyn, seconded by Leo that the agenda be
accepted. Carried
Approval of the minutes of the meeting of September 81": moved by Carrie Ann,
seconded by Patrick, that the minutes of the meeting of September 8t" be
approved. Carried.
Updates/Status Reports:
Monarch Tagging — Tom Hossie advised that as of the time of the meeting, he had
received tagging data for approximately 230 monarchs. And that others had tags
yet to be submitted. Brian reported that he had an additional 75 that he would be
getting to Tom shortly. It is clear that the concentration of monarchs this year was
quite different from the past two years, probably due to hot dry weather early in
the season ( affecting the growth of pollinator plants ) and an fall cold snap that
affected the duration of the migration.
Wildflower meadow project — Leo advised that Mr. Kemp had been in contact
with him and will do the final cultivation and planting later this fall.
Spring Wildflower Planting Project — members will recall that this was postponed
due to our inability to do this as a public event. OPG has advised us that they will
allow the money they had allocated for this year's project to be carried over to
next year. It was suggested that if we are not able to do this in our usual manner
in the spring of 2021, we could still undertake the project as a public event by
scheduling small numbers of participants at different times.
Retractable Banner — Brian and Kate will continue to work on this project with a
view to having something available for events in the new year. The previous cost
estimate for this was approximately $465 plus HST. Ken will investigate where
funds could be made available to pay for this.
Possible Winter Event — Brian reminded members that we had previously
scheduled Dt. Sheila Colla, a professor from York University, to do a presentation
for us on her specialized work with bees. This had been cancelled due to covid.
Brian will follow up with Dr.. Colla with a view to holding this event in the spring of
2021 subject to covid. It was also suggested that this might be done virtually.
Brian will explore this option with Dr. Colla as well.
Great Lakes Local Action Fund — Leo reviewed what he had sent to members
previously concerning the possibility of obtaining funding to undertake a smart -
phone information project for SWNA similar to what Valleys 2000 has undertaken.
After some discussion, Jocelyn agreed to take a lead role in this project with
assistance from Carrie -Ann and Kate. Ken will provide contact information for
Jocelyn and review any requirements from the municipality.
COMMENTS AND QUESTIONS FOR KEN:
Ken was asked to review the mowing schedule for the area along the Lakebreeze
waterfront where we have been panting pollinator plants for the past three years.
The idea is that a mowing should be done late each season to allow for fresh
growth of these perennials in the spring.
Ken was asked to look into the possibility of having an annual budget of some sort
for the work of the committee.
Garbage and removal: Ken was asked to look into the possibility of having some
type of lids for the various garbage receptacles throughout the Nature Area
and/or the possibility of obtaining a heavier grade of plastic bags. Ken advised
that the municipality is looking into different types of waste receptacles as well.
Ken was also asked if the municipality could take a larger role in the emptying of
the containers themselves.
Repairs: two major items were discussed: repairs to the sign at the snake
hybernacleum and the reconstruction of the observation platform at the foot of
the Cobbledick side of the nature area. The latter is in the budget for 20121.
Repairs at the snake pit are on the operations to-do list.
Next Meeting: Tuesday November 10t", 2020
Adjournment: moved by Carrie -Ann, seconded by Patrick. Carried.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:00 p.m.