Brooklyn Centre Naturalists Meeting Minutes for 09/12/09
Gloria gave a quick rundown on where we stand on the Neighborhood Connections Grant, and we have made the first cut. We now have a meeting for the second step. Our grant proposal regarding vacant land use is still in process and due to move to council soon. She also talked about the winter learning program at the Methodist Church, every Saturday morning. Programs will include projects and learning sessions and lunch provided by the BUMC.
Meeting was turned over to Tom Romito who was going to facilitate a review of our Goals. Tom began by having everyone introduce themselves. Tom then explained that last year, the Brooklyn Centre Naturalist made a list of goals and what we would like to do to reach those goals. The purpose of this session was to see what we had accomplished over the last year and what still needed to be done and what else we could add to the goals.
The following is the result of our meeting. The original goals and actions are underlined and in boldface, with resolutions or continued actions following.
Goal 1: Retain existing green space and expand
A. Review weed ordinances & make them habitat friendly– No longer a priority, we will work around the current ordinances.
B. Create wildlife-friendly landscapes– On going with continuing success. This is the core mission of BCN.
C. Help builders conserve habitats during construction–This is a worthwhile action and needs to be continued using internal resources. Watch and Question.
D. Restore habitats along streams and waterways –The BCN is supporting Friends of Big Creek in their goals and projects
E. Track certified habitats – The National Wildlife Federation updates our backyard habitats monthly.
F. Other actions/plans–Help OBCDC implement their Greenway Plan
Goal 2: Engage residents & businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices.
A. Establish a resource library–With the help of the Brooklyn Centre branch of the Cleveland Public library, the BCN has an on-going book list.
(The BCN needs to increase the public’s awareness of this resource.)
B. Host an annual event to promote education about our project– On Labor Day weekend the BCN held a Native plant sale, which was the 1st of an Annual Event.
C. Create and distribute a native plant list.–Work in process.
D. Host a website about our project–Still needs to be done. November target date to be completed by Tim & Gloria.
E. Help local nurseries promote and provide native plants– On going. Limited success.
F. Organize a native plant sale– See B.
G. Create a project brochure for our community–Done
H. Hold a habitat Stewards training session–The BCN supports the Stewards program.
I. Help area schools and churches educate people about habitats. – Winter children’s program at the Methodist Church, every Saturday, starting in Oct. thru Spring
J. Increase public awareness of resource library - Sharon to get list from Cynthia at library and distribute.
K. Other-Expand annual event to other aspects of nature. Possibly partner with the Zoo on an educational program. March possible date for Bird program.
Goal 3: Optimize the balance between residents & natural habitats.
A. Create and distribute a native plant list–See Goal 2C
B. Organize a Native plant sale.–See Goal 2B
C. Help local nurseries promote and provide native plants.–See Goal 2E
D. New Goal–Host Event to make people aware of BCN. Partner with an existing group on avian programs. Like Audubon Bird walks or a program at the Zoo with FOBC.
Goal 4: Market Brooklyn Centre locally & nationally as the preferred community in which to live.
A. Write a regular column in our local newspaper – With the help of Lynette at the Old Brooklyn News, we have had stories and articles printed almost every month for the last year.
B. Host an annual event to promote education –See Goal 2I
C. Host a website about our project. –See Goal 2D
D. Create a project brochure for our community –See Goal 2G
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