HomeMy WebLinkAboutEnvironmental Stewardship Committee Outreach Subcommittee - 15 Jan 2025 - Minutes - PdfEnvironmental Stewardship Committee Outreach Subcommittee
January 15, 2025
MINUTES
Environmental Stewardship Committee
Outreach Subcommittee Meeting
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 - 4:45 PM
City Hall, Commission Chamber
800 Seminole Road, Atlantic Beach, FL 32233
Present: Anastasia Houston
Heather Markaj
Sarah Boren
1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
The meeting was called to order at 4:45 p.m.
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS (5 MINUTES)
No public comments were submitted.
3. TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION
3.A. ESC Education, Outreach, Marketing, and Communication Matters
Summary of Discussion:
1. Arbor Day Outreach:
o Discussion on the responsibility for Arbor Day graphics and promotions between
subcommittees.
o Consensus that the Tree Subcommittee will handle graphics, while Outreach will
assist with promotion.
2. 2025 Initiatives and Events:
o Confirmed projects include the Edible Orchard and Conservation Campaign targeting
a 15% reduction in water usage.
o Focus areas: Events, Programs, Campaigns, Initiatives, Marketing, Outreach,
Education, Awareness, and Volunteer Coordination.
3. Volunteer Management:
o Proposal to consolidate all environmental volunteers under "Green Corps."
o Suggestion to create a centralized volunteer list for easier coordination.
o Current volunteer list includes 15 individuals from the latest tree giveaway.
4. Edible Orchard Project:
o Planting scheduled for late February; final checks underway.
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Environmental Stewardship Committee Outreach Subcommittee
January 15, 2025
o Tree Subcommittee handles planting logistics; Outreach Subcommittee manages
promotion.
o Potential events: Planting Day, Ribbon Cutting, or Earth Day Celebration.
o Discussion on creating engaging activities for the community, including signage with
QR codes and interactive events.
5. Event Planning:
o Consideration of back-to-back events in February, including Brazilian Pepper Tree
Invasive event and Awards Ceremony.
o Earth Day event proposed for April 27th, with a walkthrough of the orchard.
o Ideas for community engagement include "Taste the Orchard" events, partnerships
with local vendors, and interactive activities.
6. Awards Planning:
o Venue options discussed, including Royal Palms and One Ocean Resort.
o Budget constraints identified; sponsorship opportunities explored.
o Call for nominations to be promoted; aim for at least two nominations per category.
o Sponsorship levels and benefits outlined; need for finalizing promotional materials
and outreach to potential sponsors.
7. Additional Discussions:
o Safety concerns raised about heritage tree signs; recommendation to modify signs to
prevent hazards.
o Consideration of naming the orchard "The Tasting Garden of Jack Russell Park."
o Finalization of event logistics and responsibilities distributed among members.
Final Decisions:
• Consolidate volunteer management under Green Corps.
• Proceed with Edible Orchard planting in February and plan for an Earth Day event on April 27th.
• Continue exploring sponsorship opportunities and finalize the awards venue.
• Promote call for nominations and ensure at least two nominations per category.
Next Steps/Action Items:
1. Finalize Edible Orchard planting logistics and promotional plan.
2. Create centralized volunteer list and promote volunteer opportunities.
3. Confirm Earth Day event details and partner with local vendors.
4. Reach out to potential sponsors and finalize sponsorship materials.
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Environmental Stewardship Committee Outreach Subcommittee
January 15, 2025
5. Promote awards nominations and finalize the judging process.
6. Address safety concerns related to heritage tree signs.
4. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6pm.
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