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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-19Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management Advisory Committee Minutes AUGUST 19, 2025, 7:00 p.m. Room 1c Municipal Administrative Center or Microsoft Teams Present: Y/N Person Y/N Person Y Brian Reid Chair Y Leanne Fernandes Y Carmen Aiello Y Lou Itier R Councillor Margaret Zwart Council Liaison R Patrick Bothwell Y Kate Potter R Tom Hossie Vice Chair Y Ken Mercer Staff Y Rod McArthur Y Leah Bourgeois R Meg Vandenbrink Y Kayla Stephens Also Present: n/a Call to Order Brian called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m. 1. Land Acknowledgement Statement Brian led the meeting with the Land Acknowledgement Statement. 2. Additions to the Agenda/Adoption of the Agenda Moved by Leah Bourgeois, seconded by Carmen Aiello, that the Agenda be accepted, with no additions. Carried 3. Declaration of Pecuniary Interest _ There were no disclosures of interest stated at this meeting. 4. Adoption of Minutes Moved by Rod McArthur, seconded by Leah Bourgeois that the minutes of the meeting of June 17'h, 2025, be approved. Carried SWNAMAC - 2 - August 19, 2025 5. Committee Administration There were no topics to be added at this meeting. 6. SWNA Workplan Q2 Q3 a. Tree Identification Walk June 21, Update — Brian confirmed that the event was successfully held and thoughtfully executed. Although attendance was limited to a single family, they were highly engaged throughout and expressed interest in returning next year. A full recap of the day is available on our blog. a. Moth Week — Although Tom was unavailable to share an update, Brian reported that the event was once again a success. Tom continues to make impressive contributions, currently ranked 8th in Ontario for total observations and 15th for the number of species recorded. More details can be found on our blog. b. Monarch Tagging — This year's event will take place on the Cobbledick side. Attendees will gather at the parking lot and be guided to the tagging area. To ensure smooth coordination, we'll need two committee members to remain at the parking lot for the first 10-15 minutes after the event begins. Items to be arranged: Updated Poster with new location — Kate Port -a -potties — Ken Picnic Tables (5 total) — Ken 1 for registration 1 for Leah 3 for taggers Trash Cans (2) — Ken • Canopy— Ken Clipboards — Kate Safety Vests for the committee members — Leah will bring 1 C Presenter (Carol) — Meg may have her contact; Kate will follow up with Meg Event Promotion: Leah — Eventbrite listing and Municipal calendar Kate — Facebook event Brian — Blog post Ken — Printing signs SWNAMAC - 3 - August 19, 2025 Q4 Tagging Preparation: Leah and Lou are interested in pre -training Brian will coordinate a session with an experienced tagger Materials: Ken — Notify Tom when tags have shipped Brian — Print recording sheets Event Introduction: Tom will lead the intro If unavailable, Brian and Kate will step in Setup Reminder: Committee members attending are asked to arrive between 8:30-9:00 AM to assist with setup. c. Canadian Wildlife Federation Right of Way Program - Brian reported that he had attended an event today at the Long Sault Conservation Area hosted by the CWF and CLOCA. The event showcased the efforts of these two organizations in restoring monarch habitat along the hydro corridor that runs through Long Sault. A full outline of this event will be posted to our blog in the next few days. Following the event, Brian met on site at SWNA with the CWF Representative to look at our most recent planting efforts and to discuss future collaboration and partnerships. Brian further advised that CWF is hosting its annual Right of Way meeting in Milton in mid -September. He plans to attend. He has made a presentation to this group in the past. a. Photo Contest - October — Kayla will prepare a document outlining the guidelines and rules to be presented at the next group meeting. The goal is to have this initiative launched by the end of October. b. Fall Cleanup - this event may or may not be needed. Decisions will be made closer to that time. If we do proceed, it would be conducted by Committee members only. c. Christmas Bird Count - Brian advised that this is still being planned with revisions being considered to the specific areas/zones to be covered. 1. External Projects a. Fencing to the east of the Memorial Forest - Ken will schedule its removal later this summer SWNAMAC - 4 - August 19, 2025 b. Communications/Instagram — Ken will follow up with the Municipality's communications team and inquire whether a representative is available to attend an upcoming meeting. c. Connections with Indigenous Group — Brian will provide Lou with the contact details for a person he met at the CWF event who serves as the Conservation Project Lead for Miragi, an organization that is affiliated with the Mississauga's of Scugog Island First Nations. 1. Other Business a.Nature Education Program — Lou will develop an outline, including proposed activities, to demonstrate how those activities can be integrated into our annual workplan events. Additionally, Lou will reach out to external groups —such as schools, scout and guide troops, and organizations supporting individuals with special needs —to explore potential partnerships that could align with committee efforts and/or serve as meaningful school outings. 7. Round Table a.Ken referenced Patrick's email regarding the child luring incident and emphasized that if any similar situation occurs in the nature area, the police must be contacted immediately. b.Rod gave a shoutout to the Hospice Care facility on Cobbledick Road for the upcoming Hike & Bike event in September. He encouraged anyone who is able to participate, noting that involvement would be greatly appreciated. c.Brian highlighted the importance of networking and encouraged members to engage in it wherever it can positively impact the SWNA community. 8. Date Of Next Meeting The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled to be held on September 16th 2025, commencing at 7:00 p.m. in Room 1c at the Municipal Building or Microsoft Teams. 9. Adjournment Moved by Carmen Aiello that the meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m. Carried