Meeting Minutes
Monday March 13, 2023
7 PM on Zoom
1.Meeting called to order at 7:00 PM.
Attendance: Susan Landau, John Landau, John Fagan, Greg Lombardi, Deb Ryysylainen, Linda Carrington, , Sandi Mayer, Kristine Herbst, Michelle Packer, Jeanne Cunillera, Chris Cioffi, Suzanne Mutz-Darwell, Allen Wells, Lisa Miller, Judy Bayard.
2. February Minutes: Susan moved for approval, Judy seconded, unanimous vote to approve.
3.Treasurer's report: Deb reports $11,029 in the account.
4. Website update: John shared the fabulous new live pages, one for our wish list and one for special donations and he shared the page being built to list our community partners. Susan needs to finalize this list. The light box notification of the GSWA Native Plant Sale pops up on opening and has two obvious ways to click it away.
5. Membership:
A. Kristine reports that we have 237 subscribers, including 56 contributing members. New requests to join us continue even in the winter months.
B. Discussion of phone calls to thank donors: A clear consensus was not in favor. Calls were thought to be too intrusive and calls from unknown numbers are not welcome. Email thanks and when appropriate, handwritten notes will continue to be sent.
C. Michelle gave us a volunteer update: Nine new volunteers in February making 19 for 2023 so far. 140 hours have been recorded.
6. Instagram fofpw-nj: Deb continues to post and ideas for spring were discussed. Michelle and Deb will workshop ideas and configure Instagram to link to Facebook. Deb will post a sign at the dock inviting photographers to post.
7. Invasive fight/ restoration update:
A. Volunteer days to resume Sundays 1-3 starting March 19. Chris and Kristine are backup leads for these days if Susan or John are not available.
B. Garlic mustard watch: When it bolts Susan will email volunteer days to pull it.
C. Additional seeding: Sensitive pea has been ordered to plant in areas that TJ students visit along with deer tongue seeds which may offer a good challenge to our stilt grass problems. Susan moved that $127 for seeds and $20 for cat litter be approved. Judy seconded and all voted in favor.
D. More than 100 dead Ash have been felled in the interest of public safety in the park. Susan and John will walk the park with the tree crew, town arborist and head of STC to see what further clean up might be done. Wood is left in place in the park for habitat value and to return the carbon and nutrients to the soil. This also prevents soil damage that would inevitably occur if heavy logs were removed. Cutting brittle dead Ash trees is very dangerous work and the Town Tree Crew has done a remarkable job preserving the soil and minimizing collateral damage as they have taken trees down.
E. Michelle suggested lining the paths with medium sized trunks and branches. This is in the original FPW plans from the early 2000s. It’s a great project for an Eagle Scout and/or our high school team.
F. Jeanne has graciously volunteered to spread granular deer repellent every three weeks around our new shrub plantings.
G. Jeff Simon let us know that Loyola needs volunteers on March 26, 12:00-4:00 for a forest floor cleanup near James St. FoFPW will be able to help with that effort. Susan will give Jeff’s info to Deb so that Verizon volunteers could possibly be recruited to help as well.
8. Bluebird box update: Greg and Linda cleaned out six boxes so they are ready for new residents. They found some wren and some bluebird nests from last season and no mice this year.
9. TJ connection update:
A. Plug sale will go live soon to fund a new native planting around the refurbished school sign. FoFPW is supplying eight flats (four species) for the TJ PTO to sell.
B. The TJ sign has been removed for rejuvenation and the planting bed has been sheet mulched. We have the help of a Girl Scout working on her Gold Award for this project.
C. TJ Enrichment class centered on life in FPW will begin this Friday. Susan, John, and Katie will help.
10. Lidgerwood: The Joint STC-FoFPW Project funded by the Rotary Club: Most of the plants will be available this week. Saturdays March 18 and 25 are the first planting days from 12:00 - 3:00.
11. Other Topics:
A. Linda described a source of cardboard for us - the Table of Hope Food Kitchen on Spring Street, every Thursday.
B. Linda also brought up Earth Day, April 22. This would be a good day for FoFPW to consider an event in the afternoon. Please email any ideas! The town wide cleanup is scheduled for May 20.
C. BPA master plan was briefly discussed.
D. Goose mitigation letter is out for Windmill Pond. Michelle will help spot nesting behavior and nests. Linda, Greg, Susan, and John will be on this project. Anyone interested in joining, please let us know!
E. Burnham Park Association is celebrating their 75th Anniversary (!!!) on April 29. Check their website for updates!
F. Sandi let us know that the pump house on Overlook is coming down.
12. Next meeting: April 10, 2023 on Zoom at 7 PM.
13. Adjournment at 8:15: Kristine moved, Judy seconded, all were in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
Monday February 13, 2023
Virtual Meeting on Zoom 7 PM
1. Meeting called to order at 7:02
In attendance: Deb Ryysylainen, John Fagan, Linda Carrington, Kristine Herbst, Thelma Achenbach, John Landau, Lisa Miller, Susan Landau, Michelle Packer.
2. Treasury:
A. Deb reports that we have $12,137 in our account. Roughly $3000 is earmarked grant money.
B. Reimbursement requests for 2 new pitchforks, a drill and second battery for planting. Susan moved to approve, Linda seconded, unanimously approved.
3. Website:
A. John F. shared the web page with the FoFPW (in kind) wish list.. Tools are listed so far. The page is ready to go live.
B. John F also shared the page listing donations in honor or memoriam. It will be titled "Gifts" and is ready to go live as well.
C. Posting a list of general donors with permission was tabled for future discussion
D. John F. shared the AllTrails listing and his edits beyond the bot-generated language that cannot be changed.
E. Susan is identifying "Community Partners". List to date: Rutgers Environmental Stewards, Loyola Jesuit Center, Shade Tree Commission, Friends of Brightwood Park, New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team, TJ Elementary School, The Great Swamp Watershed Association and several more are pending. Susan will report these to John F and FoFPW when more complete and ready for posting.
4. Membership:
A. Kristine reports that we have 56 contributing members and approximately 233 members on our email list.
B. Lisa continues to handwrite thank you notes for bigger donations and the feedback from these is lovely. These are written on beautiful, very special note cards made by Willie, featuring her photographs.
5. Volunteers: Michelle is tracking our volunteers in 2023. She reports 110 hours, 31 individual people to date.
6. Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fofpw_nj/?hl=en):
A. Deb reports 16 followers. Michelle has strategies for algorithm boosting and outreach and promotion.
B. Deb discussed promoting the GSWA plant sale and associated webinars on Instagram. John F. notes that these can also be posted in a lightbox on the website. Susan will forward the social media package from GSWA to Deb and John.
C. Linda mentioned the "Legend of Lake Pocahontas" as a model for a fun film project at Foote's Pond and it could be posted on social media.
7. Invasive/restoration progress:
A.We have sheet mulched much of the area north of Darby's garden for planting in the fall.
B. More invasives were cleared and seeds spread near the smaller new bridge.
C. Katie will teach five classes of TJ students about fungi and/or lichen at FPW when TJ has its "Celebration of Science Day" in May.
D. Ms. Salas' class of 4th grade students studied the FPW habitats and made seven posters. They are on display in the park.
E. Susan will present our joint STC project in Lidgerwood to the Town Council on Feb. 14th.
8. FoFPW Vendor for TJ Elementary:
Susan made a motion that FoFPW apply to become a vendor for TJ Elementary School. This would be used for targeted expenses that are in the FoFPW mission. To include payment for classes taught by FoFPW members or small items to enhance learning in the park when classes or clubs are held at the park. Small magnifying glasses are an example. Michelle seconded and this passed unanimously.
9. Adjournment: Kristine moved to adjourn at 8:02, Susan seconded, all were in favor.
Our next meeting: is Monday March 13, 2023. 7 PM on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/2763358470?pwd=MGt5cmVpWWxkOU9YZXRoeFBobTViQT09
Respectfully submitted,
Susan
Monday January 9, 2023
Virtual Meeting on Zoom 7 PM
1. In Attendance: Susan Landau, John Landau, Marcia Graydon, Linda Carrington, Deb Ryysylainen, John Fagan, Sandi Mayer, Kristine Herbst, Gail Biggs, Michelle Packer, Jeanne Cunilera, Willi Juhlin, Chris Cioffi, Beth Bayles, Suzanne Mutz-Darwell, Marcia Graydon
2. November Minutes: Motion to approve by Willi, Seconded by Kristine. Approved unanimously.
3.Treasurer's report
Our balance currently: $9452
This includes a very generous donation from Ajay that will be employer matched. Huge thanks to Ajay!
$475 is dedicated for Darby's garden, $55 remains for the Lidgerwood Corner planting.
$ 1904 remains in the Rotary Club grant for the Lidgerwood fence area, an STC project in partnership with FoFPW
Rogue Hoe purchase of $148.90 -- Susan moved to approve, Willie seconded, unanimously approved.
4. Website update:
1. John F has developed draft web pages for a wish list, and donations in honor or memorial.
2. He had our All Trails post updated as well as possible. They use a bot generated narrative that they cannot completely edit.
3. He has added our logo to the website
4. Susan failed to contact partners to work toward developing a partner list, hopes to have that underway soon.
5. In spite of John's best efforts the mysteries of technology do not always forward PayPal notices as requested. John has remedial suggestions.
6. Susan moved to reimburse John F for website expenses for 2022 and 2023.
Approximately $15 year for URL and $190 yr for Wix
Linda seconded. Approved by unanimous vote.
5. Membership: Kristine reports that we have well over 200 regular members on the email list and well over 50 contributing members.
6. Instagram: Deb has established an Instagram account for us! "fofpw-nj". Please follow!
7. Donation of 2 Hori Hori Knives!
Thank you Catherine Keim. These are donated in memory of her parents, Iris and John Keim, a gardener and engineer respectively. A touching and ever-so-useful contribution.
8. New Jersey Charities Registration Application: Complete
9. Annual Report Required by NJ Dept. of the Treasury: Complete
10. Ash Tree Removal on James St:
This Ash was supposed to be left as a tall snag for wildlife habitat support. It was cut to the ground. The Mayor and STC are aware of this error.
11. Young trees cut for biking paths: Mountain bikers are making new paths in the woods This is likely a temporary endeavor but it is destructive. They sawed down 3 lovely young trees and they dig trenches which damage adjacent roots and the forest floor.
Friends of Foote's Pond Wood would like to engage these folks in conversation. If you are comfortable, please ask if they are willing to talk because we'd like to explain the damage to the forest and recruit them to help with restoration. We love that they use the park and want to educate them, NOT condemn them. Having fun in the woods is wonderful but that must be done without killing our trees.
12. Invasive fight/ restoration update:
1. We have had wonderful volunteer turn out as we continue to work on Sundays from 1-3. Raking areas to expose and disturb soil has been completed in 2 areas, followed by seeding with a custom native mix. This will continue through Feb 23.
2. The Garden Club of Morristown will fund a substantial purchase of custom native seed mixes-- an $800 donation!
13. Lidgerwood:
The Joint STC- FoFPW Project funded by the Rotary Club will begin on
January 28 noon-3:00 with sheet mulch. Please join if you like, bring any clean cardboard you have and a hard/mulch rake if you have one!
Sign up is here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080a48afad2ca2fd0-spread#/
14. GSWA Native Plant Plug Sale and Webinars:
The Great Swamp Watershed association Webinars and plant sale are coming soon.
Sign up here from plant sale updates : https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/dY2uhnz/plantsale.
Webinar sign up is here: https://www.greatswamp.org/event/native-plant-webinar-series-2023/.
15. Other Topics:
Linda brought up No Dig by Charles Dowding and noted the troublesome porcelain berry on the edge of TJ property on Overlook as she bird watched.
Suzanne reported a Bald Eagle sighting at Burnham Park.
16. Next meeting: February 13, 2023 on Zoom at 7 PM. Susan will send the Zoom link with the February agenda.
15. Adjournment: Linda moved to adjourn at 7:47 PM, Kristine seconded, Approved unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
November 14, 2022
Virtual Meeting on Zoom 7 PM
1. Attendance: Susan Landau, John Landau, Marcia Graydon, Linda Carrington, Deb Ryysylainen, Greg Lombardi, Judy Bayard, John Fagan, Sandi Mayer, Kristine Herbst, Gail Biggs, Beth Bayles, Aaron Oliver, Michelle Packer, Thelma Achenbach, David Lustbader, Allen Wells.
2. October Minutes: Motion to approve by Gail, seconded by Kristine. Approved unanimously.
3. Treasurer's report: Deb reports that we have $5156 in our account. Action: Susan and Deb to contact Ajay about potential donation.
4. Website update: John F. verified that our FB link is on the wesite. Instagram can be linked if the account becomes active. Pages for a wish list and dedicated (in honor or memorial) donations are pending. Action: John to post FPW on All-Trails as accessible.
5. Membership: Kristine reports that we have 200 on our email list with a subset of 44 contributing members. A new email blast inviting “ contributing membership” will go out very soon. The MailerLite tool looks good but we are still on the learning curve.
6. New Jersey Charities Registration Application: Has been received and is under review. This will be required if we collect more than $10,000 in any one year.
7. Spring Plug Sale: Species have been ordered that should be attractive to members for yards and very useful in the park. If there is a native flower or grass that you would like included, or you would like an early list of the species ordered please email Susan. None of these species will be available at the GSWA sale. Susan moved that as much as $500 be used for purchasing plugs, Thelma seconded, unanimously approved.
8. Invasive fight/ restoration update:
A. We are clearing a new area near the smaller new bridge. It’s covered with mutiflora rose, invasive vines and phragmites. We will plant some of the species on the educational sign, seed and plug the area generally this winter and next spring.
B. Regular work days continue, weather permitting Sundays 1-3 PM (except the Sunday after Thanksgiving and Christmas Day ) through January.
9. TJ Elementary
A. New “ learning beds” are being planted with the students.
B. We are planning to support the Parent Landscaping Committee in other areas of the school grounds, planting around the sign and foundation with native plants.
C. The school principal, science teacher and PTO are in complete support of letting each 5th grade class plant a legacy tree, eventually establishing a small forest grove.
10. Second Mushroom Walk: Was a great success. Katie is onboard leading a walk for the TJ after school club next spring! And Katie and Michelle will have more mushroom walks for us next year. So much to see!
11. Other topics:
A. Thelma will stay in contact with Raptor Trust in hopes of a Screech Owl release at FPW.
B. The red spots painted on FPW trees mark them for removal. All are dead, most are Ash. Hoping the work will be done when the ground is frozen, the wood will be left place and many cut to leave standing snags.
C. The fabulous fence is installed!
D. Partner list to be added to fofpw.org. John moved, Thelma seconded. We will need to ask permission from our partners, like GSWA, Friends of Brightwood, NJCF ( Thelma), TJ, ECs etc…….
E. Deb volunteered to administer Instagram!
F. Judy reported the Golf course landscapers had been dumping leaves into the Great Brook and notified Sandi who made sure notice was given to stop that practice.
12. Next Meeting: Monday January 9, 2023 7 PM on Zoom. No meeting in December.
13. Adjournment: Linda made a motion to adjourn, Sandi seconded, all approved and we adjourned at 7:52 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan landau
October 17, 2022
Virtual Meeting on Zoom 7 PM
1. Attendance: Susan Landau, John Landau, Marcia Graydon, Linda Carrington, Deb Ryysylainen, Greg Lombardi, Judy Bayard, John Fagan, Sandi Mayer, Lisa Miller, Kristine Herbst, Gail Biggs, Bill Schlosser.
2. September minutes: Motion to approve by Sandi, seconded by Kristine. Approved unanimously.
3. Treasurer's report:Deb reports that we have $5422 in our account. Approximately $600 in expenditures for Darby’s Garden and the Lidgerwood planting are pending. We may soon have a 2:1 match from Verizon that will total 3K from Ajay that will be earmarked for resurfacing the dock. Thank you Ajay!!
Expenditure requests for approval: $287 for deer fencing and $50 for 5 Summersweet shrubs across the old bridge. So moved by Linda, seconded by Deb, approved unanimously.
4. Website update: John F. has created a trial web page to list donations made in honor or in memoriam. We can also list all members, with their permission. John will add a box asking if members give permission for their names to be listed on the webpage. Kristine will send an email to all current members asking if we can list their names.
Dollar amounts will not be published.
Bill suggests that we slowly build a wish list. Initial ideas include used wheelbarrows and tools and projects we would like to undertake that people could contribute toward. Projects could include an historic sign to highlight Marie Foote as suggested by Linda and other educational signs. John F. will look into linking the website and FB page.
Susan will look into revising/updating the Town website description of FPW.
5. Membership: We hope to send an email blast to encourage membership in November. One format going to paid members, asking them to forward to friends and one format to those who are not yet members.
6.Plug Sale: Nine flats of native plug species were purchased. 270 plugs were sold almost letting us break even and 180 plugs were planted in the park. We can repeat this in March, selling species that will not be available at the GSWA sale. If you'd like to suggest species for this sale, please email Susan.
7. Invasive fight / restoration update: Extra plugs from the sale were planted near the dock by HS students and along the sidewalk by Lisa, Judy and Deb.
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We will have fall/winter work days to chop porcelain berry and multiflora rose at their roots and we will rake select areas to soil and seed.
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Fall planting in Darby’s Garden is completed and sheet mulched. The Garden Club of Morristown will complete the planting in the spring with ground layer plugs ( flowers and sedges) and 3 redbud trees.
8. TJ elementary science teacher and students:
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John L and Susan are helping the TJ science teacher with an after school nature club once/week.
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The TJ principal sent a note that the students went on a scavenger hunt in the park and all enjoyed the fall beauty.
9. Lidgerwood planting: This native shrub planting is a joint project between FoFPW and STC to engage the Lidgerwood Community. Sandi will help post this on the Morristown website. Lisa will help promote. The date is October 23 from 12- 3 PM. All are welcome!
10. Second Mushroom Walk!: Remember our next walk with Katie and hopefully Michelle will be Saturday Oct 29 at noon. Rain date, November 12. The first walk was fabulous with about 10 people attending.
11. Other topics:
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We will try to be aware of the Morristown 2023 calendar so we can help promote clean-up days.
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Deb suggests a spring 2023 meet and greet event. This would be a great way to welcome the public to the park and meet FoFPW.
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Build a 2023 calendar for FoFPW.
12. Next Meeting: Monday November 14, 2022 7 PM on Zoom. We may choose to skip the December meeting.
13. Adjournment: Linda made a motion to adjourn, Kristine seconded, all approved, and we adjourned at 7:47 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan landau
September 12, 2022
1. Attendance: Susan Landau, John Landau, Thelma Achenbach, Allen Wells, Willie Juhlin, Marcia Graydon, Jeanne Cunillera, Linda Carrington, Greg Lombardi, Judy Bayard, Dede Murray, AJ Oliver, John Fagan, Sandi Mayer, Lisa Miller, David Lustbader, Kristine Herbst, Gail Biggs, Chris Cioffi. Bill Schlosser.
Please note that Jim and Ginger are moving away, We will miss them!
2. July minutes: Motion to approve by Jeanne, seconded by Allen. Approved unanimously.
3. Treasurer's report
We have $4,097! This includes $1,000 from GC of Morristown dedicated to Darby’s Garden and $500 donated by Kristin Ace, Chair of STC, dedicated to a native planting in Lidgerwood. This is a Shade Tree Commission/ FoFPW joint project to encourage a neighborhood “ Friends” group for Lidgerwood Park.
We do need to complete the requirements to receive corporate matches.
Another note: FoFPW owed Loyola approximately $100 after the joint native planting on their slopes. They waved this debt and we consider this to be a donation in kind. The extra Purple Love Grass plugs were planted in FPW along the sidewalk because they are salt tolerant. Thank you Jeff and Madeline!
4. Website update: John F. shared his screen and gave a tour of all the great new updates. He emphasized that everyone is welcome to be on our email list and receive information whether they join as a member or not.
5. Membership: Kristine reports that she is incorporating all our lists and membership information into Mailerlite. When ready, Mailerlite will become our email platform and we will send a blast with the membership flyer. Folks on the email list are encouraged to share this with friends and neighbors so that we can expand our email list and possibly grow our membership. Thelma has had great success sharing the flyer with friends and neighbors who enjoy the park.
Membership in 2022 carries through the entire year 2023.
6.Plug sale: Seven flats of native species have been ordered. Members are welcome to reserve plugs at $2 each. Any unclaimed plugs can be shared with non-members for $2.50. Extra plants will go into the park and any profit will go into the FoFPW bank account. They will be available for pick up Oct 13, time TBD and of course on subsequent dates as needed. Location: John and Susan’s house.
7.Seed purchase: The Garden Club of Morristown has generously offered to fund $300 of seeds!! Hearty thanks to them!!
8. Invasive / restoration update
South trail off James--Jeanne’s Path— much stilt grass has been pulled to expose soil. We will rake and seed in the winter hoping to outwit the stilt grass. Extra thanks Bilma and Michelle who made a ton of progress working independently pulling Stiltgrass and leaving the natives!
We can have regular work days in the park now that the weather is cooler. Susan will send a notice of those days— likely Saturdays 2-4 and one weekday 2-4. Tasks will include following Porcelain berry vines to their roots and chopping and the same with multiflora rose canes and we will also have days of raking to soil and seeding.
9. TJ elementary science teacher and students: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of this week, the Science teacher will bring each class of students to visit the park and practice observational skills and formulating questions.
10. Shade Tree Commission and ash trees: We have many dead/dying Ash trees in FPW. Three are particular hazards and in sensitive restored areas and/or very wet, i.e., sensitive soil. STC is brilliantly contracting for removal in winter when the ground is likely to be frozen, and use of a small, nimble machine with special treads. Additionally the huge healthy Ash near the dam will be treated to protect it from the Emerald Ash Borer. Morristown's new arborist and DPW will be able to address the remaining Ash as necessary. This is just wonderful news and we sincerely thank the STC!
11. Lidgerwood planting: This native shrub planting is a joint project between FoFPW and STC to engage the Lidgerwood Community, as previously mentioned. This will kick off on October 23 from 12- 3 PM. All are welcome!
12. Winter meeting location: We will remain on Zoom during the dark, cold months but hope to plan some walks to be together in the park.
13. Next meeting
Please Note: This will be a week later than usual, October 17th, 7 PM on Zoom.
We may skip the November meeting.
14. Other topics
A. Greg let us know about the Shade Tree Commission Beautiful Tree Contest. It is a fun online event and closing soon so submit photos of your fav Summer tree soon! Find the link on the Town Website or email your photo with your name, tree description and location to shadetree@townofmorristown.org
B. Linda reminds us that the Morris County Tourism Bureau is holding a tour of the Loyola Mansion on Oct 23 at 2 PM. Contact them to sign up, walk-ins are not permitted. It is a wonderful tour.
C. The split rail fence along James St is on the Town contractor’s agenda for late fall.
D. Lisa continues to send handwritten thank you notes as needed. She uses cards that Willie created for FoFPW.
15. Adjournment: Allen made a motion to adjourn, Willie seconded, all approved and we adjourned at 7:43 PM.
(We then looked at photos of the Loyola native planting after adjournment)
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Landau
August 8, 2022
Virtual Meeting on Zoom 7 PM
1. Attendance: Susan Landau, Thelma Achenbach, Willie Juhlin, Marcia Graydon, Jeanne Cunillera, John Landau, Linda Carrington, Greg Lombardi, Judy Bayard, Jon Buryk, Debbie Ryysylainen, Julio Escobar, Dede Murray, AJ Oliver, Michele Packer, John Fagan, Sandi Mayer.
2. July Minutes: Motion to approve by Linda, seconded by Judy. Approved unanimously.
3. Treasurer's report: Deb reports that we have new donations and memberships bringing our to account balance to 2580.02. $1000 of that is a grant from the Garden Club of Morristown for a specific project.
4. Draft Membership Announcement: Membership announcement flyer was adopted. Thelma made the motion, Judy seconded, approved unanimously. Thanks to Kristine for making this happen and John F for his contributions.
5. Website update:
A. John F. reports that the donate button and sign up for the email list will be updated based on the membership announcement.
B. A fun Instagram video of FPW is on the What's New page of fofpw.org
C. New photos have been added to the galleries
D. Willie’s timeline of FoFPW and history of FPW is also posted. It is a very useful reference.
6. Grant Possibilities:
A. Split Rail Fence: Anthony has found the funding for this and he expects installation this fall.
B. Dock Resurfacing: Anthony is in the process of arranging for temporary repairs to be done and the dock reopened in the near term.
Longer term, the Town and FoFPW are looking for grant opportunities to fund a complete resurfacing.
C. Lidgerwood Pocket Restoration: We have a private donation to kick this off in the fall and a grant request has been submitted to the Rotary Club of Morristown to support completion in the spring of 2023. This is a joint project between FoFPW and the Shade Tree Commission along the back fence line where a major overgrowth of invasive plants has been removed. We hope to bring the Lidgerwood Community together around this planting for community and park benefit. If the Lidgerwood community takes this on, the project can be expanded in years to come.
7. Invasive/ Restoration update:
A. We have been watering the main James St. Meadow, plantings near the dock and small area near the school with water pumped from the pond.
B. When the weather cools we will schedule days to work in the park.
Jeanne suggests a focus on the trail toward the dam from the James street sidewalk. That will be a great new area to tackle and it is shady! Plenty of stilt grass and roses to tackle there and we can then seed exposed soil in late fall.
C. Overlook Park Entrance: This is an area we are asking the town to maintain
D. Overlook Road Park Border: We will schedule a big vine cutback in the fall/winter to protect the trees.
E. Loyola Native Planting on the slopes: Jeanne recently weeded this garden and it looks great. In September we have one more set of plugs to plant. Hubricht’s Blue Star AKA Ozark Blue Star.
8.Bird boxes: No update, some are inaccessible because the plants have grown so tall.
9. Field Club Update: The modified proposal was approved.
10. Other Topics?
A. A new Tree City USA sign is up at the corner of Lidgerwood and James. It certifies a welcome STC accomplishment: https://www.arborday.org/programs/treecityusa/
B. Sandi will confirm that the Leaf Blower Ordinance has been tabled.
11. Next meeting: Monday Sept.12, 2022 6:30 at the dock or 7PM on Zoom if the weather pushes us indoors.
12. Adjournment at 7:41 PM: Sandi moved, second by Marcia. Unanimous approval.
Respectfully Submitted,
Susan landau
July 11, 2022
In Person at the FPW Dock
1. Attendance: Susan Landau, Thelma Achenbach, Lisa Miller, Willie Juhlin, Marcia Graydon, Jeanne Cunillera, John Landau, Linda Carrington, Allen Wells, Greg Lombardi, Lisa Miller, Kristine Herbst, Scott Wild, Ajay Patel, Judy Bayard, Sandi Mayer
2. May Minutes: motion to approve by Linda, seconded by Kristine. Unanimously approved as written.
3. Treasurer's report: Bank balance is $2,200.07. We have $40 in membership donations ready to deposit. We were charged an expected $30 for checks and an unexpected $3 for a paper statement. The account is now paperless and no additional $3 fees will be generated.
4. Website update:
A. John F established a donate button on fofpw.org that links to PayPal. We are registered as a charity so the fees are generally 2% plus 49 cents/transaction. John F also set up a voluntary extra donation option to compensate for those fees.
Questions: Does this donation button require a PayPal account? Does it define membership?
B. He is continuing to add to/update the galleries. Beautiful photos are posted.
C. John F also helped with and posted Willie's timeline. It lists the actions taken to improve the park and the history of public interest in the FPW.
5. Draft of our membership announcement: Kristine distributed copies of her draft. Thank you Kristine!
Discussion points included:
A. Choice to earmark funds
B. QR code to be added
C. Tighter layout
D. Add it to the website when launched
E. Reminder to ask for corporate matches when possible.
F. Add the EIN number
G. Susan will send to all who are at this meeting and request suggestions to be emailed to Kristine by next Wednesday.
H. Vote to adopt at our August meeting
6. Grant Possibilities:
A. Anthony is developing cost estimates for the dock resurfacing and the proposed James Street split rail fence.
B. Susan is in contact with the Garden Club of Morristown for possible grants.
C. Verizon is another possible funding source now that we are a 501c3.
7. Invasive/ Restoration update:
A. We are in a drought and we have watered the main meadow twice and will water again in the morning.
B. There is always weeding to do so if anyone notices a cool forecast and has free time. Please contact Susan and we will set up a work day.
C. The patch near the school where the DPW graciously filled the sinkholes has been cleared of much of the invasive plant mass and seeded for summer bloom. We will plan to regrade a bit next fall/winter and plan to plant a rain garden. Susan will reach out to see if the school would like to participate.
D. We cleared the invasives at the Overlook entrance. Requested that the town consider mulch for the new trees. We need to define an ongoing strategy for this area.
E. The new native plant gardens at Loyola looked good at the last weeding. We have requested that they be well watered in this drought.
One flat of last species to be planted, Hubricht's Bluestar/ Ozark Bluestar ( Amsonia hubrichtii) has arrived but the plugs are too immature to plant just yet. More will arrive in August. We will schedule planting days as soon as we can.
8. Walks: After the membership announcement, we hope to schedule walks in the park. Allen can guide meditative walks. We have Katie, who knows all about fungi and Susan and John L. can talk (endlessly!) about flowers and native and invasive plants.
9. Bird boxes: Deb reports that we have two empty boxes, one active Wren nest and one active Bluebird nest.
10. Noah's Owl Box Ribbon Cutting: Wednesday July 13, 5:30 PM. Everyone is invited!
11. Morris Park Alliance Award: Willie arranged a beautiful Library exhibit of the award incorporating her photos of FPW wildlife.
12. Field Club Update: Next time it's on ZBA Meeting, TBD.
13. Leaf Blower Ordinance discussion.
14. Next meeting: Monday August 8, 2022 6:30 at the dock or 7PM on Zoom if the weather pushes us indoors.
13. Adjournment: Greg moved to adjourn, seconded by Marcia, Unanimously approved at 7:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
June 13, 2022
In Person at the FPW Dock
1. Attendance: Susan Landau, Thelma Achenbach, John Fagan, Lisa Miller, Willie Juhlin, Marcia Graydon, Jeanne Cunillera, John Landau, Linda Carrington, Deb Ryysylainen , Allen Wells, Greg Lombardi, Madeline Simon, Lisa Miller, Kristine Herbst
2. May Minutes: motion to approve by Allen, seconded by Thelma. Unanimously approved as written.
3. Treasurer's report: Deb reports that our balance is 2154.50. $1000 is a grant from the GC of Morristown and earmarked for a pocket forest to honor Darby, a long standing GC member. The balance came from a couple very generous FoFPW member donations, existing funds and a few smaller amounts from various sources.
4. Website update:
A. John reports that new photos are up, including a new gallery. We have 6 photographers contributing now.
B. In the search for a "donate button" on the website to link to our bank account, we found that the Wix and TD bank options both charge a monthly fee and are too expensive. John F. will look at paypal or similar possibilities.
5. Date for Noah's Owl Box Ribbon Cutting: Wednesday July 13, 5:30 PM. Everyone is invited!
6. Restoration Plans/Invasive work days:
A. Main James St. Meadow
Well over 1000 plugs are in and it has been well seeded. Now we wait and hope and maybe weed from the edges.
Huge thanks to those who planted from FPW and the Garden Club of Morristown.
B. Area by school
Since the Town filled in the sink holes, John L. has spent days chopping and clearing invasives. They are well set back but not knocked out so the area is seeded with annuals this year. We will develop a perennial plan for next year.
C. A weeding blitz will be our next effort. We may plan a day or two devoted to pulling Mugwort. TBD
7. 501c3 progress:
1. FOFPW officially became a 501c3 on March 31, 2022
The forms to become federally and NJ tax exempt are in progress. Should be complete in 2-3 months
2. Kristine will become our Membership Chair . Lisa, Thelma and Susan will help with the membership announcement wording and launch.
$20 was unanimously adopted as the membership fee. Motion made by Linda, seconded by Thelma, unanimously approved. After the membership launch, all meetings will be board meetings that are open to members. All who are on, or join our email list will continue to receive emails, regardless of membership status. Our goal is to be as inclusive as possible.
3. Linda asks for a clear definition of membership benefits. These could include access to or preferred pricing at a fall FoFPW plant sale. And of course, membership supports work in the park and native plants.
4. Lisa will write thank you notes for donations to FoFPW aside from membership fees. Willie has already made beautiful cards for this.
8. Morris Park Alliance Award:
A. John F. arranged for a photo taken tonight of us with the award documents and trophy. He will post this on the website.
B. Willie will arrange for a Library exhibit of the award along with photos of FPW
9. Bird boxes:
Deb reports active use of the boxes and unfortunately the death of a swallow clutch in one. We will do some research and try to enhance survival chances.
10. Field Club Update: Marcia reports that the next meeting is on June 15th. The proposed plans are being revised to downsize a bit and mitigate some of the headlight issues. However the new proposed lighting and existing lighting remain in the plan.
11. Other topics:
1.Greg told another great groaner Dad joke. (Best reason to be at our meetings)
2. Linda to submit goose mitigation hours to add to our volunteer hours.
3. John L will check the ebird list for FPW.
12. Next meeting: July 11, 2022 6:30 at the dock or 7PM on Zoom if the weather pushes us indoors.
13. Adjournment: Kristine moved to adjourn, seconded by Greg, Unanimously approved at 7:37 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
May 9, 2022
In Person at the FPW Dock
1. Attendance: Susan Landau, Thelma Achenbach, John Fagan, Lisa Miller, Willie Juhlin, Bill Schlosser, Diane Otto, Marcia Graydon, Gail Biggs, Jeanne Cunillera, John Landau
2. March Minutes: Motion to approve from Marcia, Thelma seconded . Minutes unanimously approved with no corrections.
3. Treasurer's Report: We have a new donation and some extra cash from the awards dinner. We hope to open a bank account this Friday and our balance will be reported next month.
4. Website: John continues to post updates and respond to queries. He will explore adding a way to donate online and link to our bank account. Thanks to Thelma for the idea.
5. Goose mitigation: The eggs of the one pair of nesting geese at FP were replaced with wooden ones. The nesting season is over now.
6. Restoration/Invasive work:
A. Demonstration Garden: The sample native garden in the Going Native brochure has been planted on the left side of the dock as a demonstration. Only Columbine is needed to complete it. Thanks to Jalal and Sobia for the wood chips! And thanks to our stellar plug planters!
B. Garlic Mustard: We held one session of garlic mustard pulling. Chris DeG. observed that one person can pull about 300 plants/ half hour and our 3 huge bags probably contain 2500 plants. The garlic mustard population is definitely reduced this year but that is generally what’s being reported by other strike teams in the area.
C. Terri's grand plan: We are beginning to plant Terri’s grand plan in the main James St. meadow. Planting times will be emailed soon. A very exciting project.
7. 501c3 Progress: We need one more signature to pass our bylaws by unanimous consent. That will be completed this week and we will send it to the lawyers.
8. Morris Park Alliance Award: Many came to the gathering to receive this award for local environmental work. Thanks to Jane Kurek and her great application on our behalf!
We will take a photo next month at the dock with the award for our website. Wille suggested displaying it at the library and Susan will check with Mary Lynn.
9. The Rutgers Environmental Stewards: 2022 Morris County students visited and toured FPW to see habitat restoration and invasive mitigation attempts in process.
10. Memorial planting: The Garden Club of Morristown is evaluating a plan to sponsor a planting in FPW that will honor a long standing, dearly loved member of the club who is moving away.
11. Town-wide Spring Clean-up is scheduled in May but the town's sign up link is not working.
12. The Shade Tree Commission is holding a Spring tree competition.
13. Bird boxes: Deb reports that 3 boxes have wren nests and one has a bluebird nest. She will continue to monitor them.
14. Field Club Expansion: Marcia reported that the last meeting featured the Chair of Membership and the format was as frustrating as ever for the public. Next meeting is on June 2ond. Logging on helps register public interest/concern.
15.Sinkhole: The sinkhole area near the school has been filled by DPW and one of the Environmental Stewards may be interested in restoring it as her project.
16. Unity Charter School is holding an Eco Fun Fest and FoFPW will host a table with information and native seeds to give away.
17. Our next meeting will be June 13. 6:30 pm outside at the dock, weather permitting or 7:00 if on Zoom.
18. End of meeting: Marcia moved to adjourn and Bill seconded at 7:42. We adjourned with unanimous approval.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
March 14, 2022
Virtual on Zoom
1. Attendance: Susan Landau, Thelma Achenbach, John Fagan, , Jim and Ginger Kutsch, Linda Carrington, Christine Miller, Lisa Miller, Sandi Meyer, Debbie Ryysylainen, Madeline Simon, Amy Howard, Flora DeGeorge, Willie Julin
2. February Minutes: Approved with no corrections
3. Treasurer's Report: No change from February
4. Website: John reports that people continue to find us through the website. Our original site ( never really used) from 2017 is officially closed.
5. Owl Box Sign and Bluebird boxes:
1.Thelma reports that we chose the place for the Owl sign with Anthony and his department will install it. We hope to have a FoFPW gathering for Noah and family the third week in April to celebrate the box and hope an owl family moves in. A photo of the sign is attached below.
2. Debbie reports that the Bluebird boxes are clean and ready for this season. It looked like Wrens used 4 of the boxes and Bluebirds had nested in 3. Susan shared a brief bluebird video made by a Rutgers Environmental Steward: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kZv3Dyiy3HqCkBQ458lcxkH3Thi1dyy0/view?usp=sharing
6. Restoration/Invasive work:
A. Loyola Planting -- 850 native plugs will be planted at Loyola Jesuit Center March 18, 19 and 20, 2-4 PM each day. Please join us if you'd like!
B. We are thinking about a plan for garlic mustard mitigation.
7. 501c3 Progress: No news.
8. Path: The Path around Foote's Pond has been soggy and icy. Anthony walked the path with us and he will try to improve it later in the year as funds, time and the site itself allow.
9. Field Club Expansion: Christine summarized the Field Club proposal for expansion. The next Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing will be March 16. The Zoom link can be found on the Town of Morristown website by clicking on the calendar star for March 16.
10. Other Topics:
A. Linda explained the goose egg replacement that mitigates the resident goose population. Nest scouting will begin this month. If you can assist, please contact Linda or Susan.
B. Linda also explained that Woodcock courtship season has arrived and where they can be observed.
C. Jim explained geocaching. This could be a fun way to promote the park.
11. Next meeting: May 9, 2022. Meeting in person at the park may be possible with Zoom as a back up if the weather doesn't cooperate. TBD.
11. Meeting adjourned: 7:52 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
February 14, 2022
1. Attendance: Susan & John Landau, Thelma Achenbach, John Fagan, Marcia Grayden, Jim and Ginger Kutsch, Linda Carrington, Christine Miller, Lisa Miller, Sandi Meyer.
2. January Minutes: Approved with no corrections.
3. Treasurer's Report: No change from January.
4. Website: No new posts. Winter is a slow time and John F. reminds us that input is welcome.
5. Owl Box Sign: Thelma showed the sign to all on Zoom. She will coordinate it's placement with Anthony.
6. Restoration/Invasive work:
A. Stilt grass areas were raked and seeded
B. Sheet mulch is down in preparation for the native plant demonstration garden near the dock.
7. 501c3 Progress: We have preliminary documents from the lawyers for review.
8. Field Club Expansion: Christine summarized the Feb 2, Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing. The next meeting will be March 16.
9. Trex Bench Program: This potential project is tabled for now.
10. Other Topics:
A. Goose egg replacement that mitigates the resident goose population will begin in early April. If you can assist, please contact Linda or Susan.
B. Local geocaching activity was discussed.
C. Split rail fence concept is on hold until we are a 5013c and we have asked the Town to weigh in on this idea.
11. Our next meeting: March 14, 2022 on Zoom at 7 PM. Please see the link below, courtesy of Jim.
12. Meeting adjourned: 7:44 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
January 10, 2022
1. Attendance: Susan & John Landau, Thelma Achenbach, Greg Lombardi, Willie Juhlin, Kristine Herbst, Marcia Grayden, Jim and Ginger Kutsch, Madeline Simon, Chris Cioffi, Linda Carrington, Christine Miller, Lisa Miller, Allen Wells, David Grover, Lisa Miller, Sandi Meyer
2. December Minutes: Approved with no corrections
3. Treasurer's Report: No change from December
4. New posts on Facebook:
A. Winter Landscape.
B. Praying Mantis egg case photo
5. Owl Box Sign: Thelma reports that Fast Signs is working on a design for a 12 x 18 inch metal sign and Anthony can install it.
6. Restoration/Invasive work:
A. 10 Volunteers worked 2+ hours on Dec 31 raking areas to expose soil in preparation for winter seeding. Near the old bridge and dam, we hope the native seeds will sprout and outcompete the swaths of stiltgrass. Another area along James St was also prepared; this is where several Ash trees were lost. We hope the seeds help recovery here.
When the weather and soil conditions are favorable, we will do a final soil prep, remove more invasives and then throw seeds. We may not have much notice for this, windows of good conditions are narrow in the winter.
B. The seeds are custom mixes from Ernst Seeds and funded by the Garden Club of Morristown. And the new rakes and tools put to work on Dec 31 were also purchased with and additional $300 from the GC of M!
C. 775+ hours were volunteered by FoFPW in 2021, equivalent to more than $21,000.
D. It was suggested that we post photos of the work days on FB. Susan will ask permission for photos of volunteers under 18 yo. Then Chris or Jalal can post.
7. 501c3 Progress: We had an introductory call with the pro bono lawyers. They will let us know as they have time for us. They do hope to have everything complete in approximately 3 months.
8. Field Club Expansion: Christine informs us that the Zoning Board of Adjustment hearing for this is set for the evening of Feb 2. The Zoom link will be on the Town website. Everyone is encouraged to attend and speak.
9. Trex Bench Program https://recycle.trex.com/view/programs: This was discussed and will be a topic in Feb as well. Susan will ask Jillian if a trex bench would be appropriate for FPW.
10. Other Topics:
A. A " demonstration garden" with easy native flowers and a grass is planned for the areas on the left side of the approach to the dock. When the weather is good we hope to sheet mulch ( layer cardboard and mulch) with Chris' High School team in January to prepare for plug planting in the late spring.
B. Split rail fencing concept is on hold until we are a 5013c and we have asked the Town to weigh in on this idea.
11. Our next meeting: February 14, 2022 on Zoom at 7 PM. Please see the link below, courtesy of Jim.
12. Meeting adjourned: 7:49 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
December 13, 2021
1. Attendance: Susan & John Landau, Thelma Achenbach, Greg Lombardi, Willie Juhlin, John Fagan, Kristine Herbst, Marcia Grayden, Jim and Ginger Kutsch, Madeline Simon, Jeanne Cunillera, Beth Bayles, Chris Cioffi, Linda Carrington, Christine Miller, Leslie Bensley, Lisa Miller
2. November Minutes: Approved with no corrections
3. Treasurer's Report: No change from November
4. Website: John F. continues to make routine updates. He invites help, suggestions and contributions.
5. Owl Box: The box is up, in the woods, facing the schoolyard. The Town approves of an educational sign and Thelma is in contact with the town engineer to explore possibilities.
6. Restoration Days:
A. Shrubs recently planted are protected from deer browse and are doing well.
B. Raking and seeding areas of stiltgrass will be a winter project, we will include the HS team for this project.
C. Terri has measured the James St. meadow north of the curving mulched path and she is designing a native plug planting ( grasses and flowers) for next spring. More planting to do in 2022!
D. Current total for FoFPW volunteer hours is 745 to date.
7. FoFPW becoming 501c3, Non-profit Charitable Organization: We have been approved by the Pro Bono Partnership and they will inform us of the next steps.
8. Morristown Field Club Expansion: This proposed expansion requires 6 variances and 3 design waivers to add structures, lights, courts and parking. FoFPW will not take a formal position but members' views may be informed by habitat restoration efforts in FPW. From Christine: Attached is the Notice of Public Hearing Town of Morristown Zoning Board of Adjustment Application #2497. This notice was sent to property owners within 200 feet of the Morristown Field Club as required by law. Also attached is a high-level overview of the site expansion plans. This overview was compiled by a lay person based on documents the Morristown Field Club submitted to the Morristown Zoning Officer who posted them for public use. All documents can be found at:
https://www.zonify.org/meeting/839
The first public hearing is scheduled for Dec. 15, 7:30 PM. This topic is late on the agenda. On Zoom.The link is posted on the Morristown website.
9. Great Swamp Watershed Assn Native Plant Plug Sale: This will be the second GSWA sale, several "kits" as well as single species will be available. Volunteers are most welcome to help organize customer orders April 26, 27,28 and 29. A sign up genius will be circulated. Volunteers are especially needed the afternoon of Saturday April 30 to help with order pick-up and those with expertise in native plant gardening are needed to help coach and offer advice. This is a fun event so please stay tuned for updates!
10. Loyola planting plan: Jeanne has drawn up a native planting plant in a formal design for the sloping areas along side the steps from the great lawn to the front entrance. The areas have been "sheet mulched" ( cardboard and mulch) in preparation for spring planting. We will need volunteers to plant the areas next spring! Likely the first week of May. Just FYI, I've attached information about why and how to sheet mulch below.
11. Other Topics:
A. Possibility of a split rail fence along the James Street sidewalk was discussed.
B. Possibility of a brick inscription sale in 2022 was mentioned.
10. Our next meeting: January 10, 2022 on Zoom at 7 PM.
11. Meeting adjourned: 8:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
November 15, 2021
1. Attendance: Susan & John Landau, Thelma Achenbach, Greg Lombardi, Allen Wells, Willie Juhlin, John Fagan, Kristine Herbst, Debbie Ryysylainen, Marcia Grayden,Stewart Pollock, Jim and Ginger Kutsch, Madeline and Jeff Simon, Jeanne Cunillera
2. October Minutes: Approved with no corrections
3. Treasurer's Report: $237 held by FoFPW, new donation of $250 to the Town Trust.
4. Website: John F. continues to update the site with photos and news like "Girls on the run", a TJ Elementary event held at FPW.
5. Restoration Days:
A. We are working in the park Thursdays and Sundays from 1-3 regularly, weather permitting. Susan will send cancellations by email but please text or call if you have a question, 973 886-8029
B. 32 Native shrubs were planted near the dock. Species: Winterberry Holly, Red Chokeberry, Bayberry and Sweet Pepperbush. Species selection and placement guided by Terri. John has deer fencing mostly complete to protect them. We appreciate the funding from our members and the Garden Club of Morristown.
C. High School students have signed up to sheet mulch our fall shrub planting next Saturday.
D. The Garden Club of Morristown donated and planted 100 dwarf Daffodil bulbs under the "Welcome to FPW" sign. These will provide a delightful color pop in the spring.
6. FoFPW becoming 501c3, Non-profit Charitable Organization: We are fortunate to have pro bono legal resources thanks to Justice Pollock. We are currently working through the Pro Bono Partnership approval process.
7. Favorite Summer Tree Contest: The winner is the massive Swamp White Oak on TJ Elementary property. This contest is not easy to understand or participate in, Susan will bring concerns to the STC.
8. Owl Box: John has burned "Noah's Owls " into the box and it is ready to hang. We will have a small group walk to rethink placement and then pick a day to invite everyone when it is installed. Looking forward to getting together in person for this and seeing Noah again!
9. Other Topics:
A. TJ Elementary held a "Girls on the Run" 5K race. The girls ran 6 times around the pond, passing handmade encouraging posters. We let the Town officials know because it's a wonderful use of the new trail.
B. Allen will schedule a fall meditation walk for us.
10. Our next meeting: December 13, 2021 on Zoom at 7 PM. Jim will host our meetings on his Zoom account, thank you Jim! This will relieve us of the time limit and my set up errors and allow people to phone in.
11. Meeting adjourned: 7:40 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
October 4, 2021
Call to Order: by Susan at 6:00 PM
1. Attendance: Susan & John Landau, Thelma Achenbach, Greg Lombardi, Allen Wells, Linda Carrington , Willie Juhlin, John Fagan, Bill Schlosser, Lisa Miller, Kristine Herbst, Debbie Ryysylainen, Sandi Mayer,
2. September Minutes: Approved
3. Treasurer's Report: No change in our account and no update of the Town Trust.
4. We remembered Marion Harris, an outspoken, influential Morristown treasure, who recently died.
5. Website: John F. has updated the site with group photos and information about the Story Walk.
6. Owl box: John L. will burn "Noah's Owls" into the side of the box and place it in the chosen tree in November. Thelma has a plan for a sign to be placed along the trail after the Owl box is in place. See her PDF the sign attached below. We will seek Town approval for the sign.
7. Restoration/ Invasive Work Days: We have a work day Friday Oct 8, 9am -noon, then we take a 3 week break. Friday Oct. 29 we will begin again. As always, as weather permits. Later in the fall we will switch to afternoons for warmth and the days will shift to Thursdays and Sundays noon to 3.
8. FoFPW becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization was discussed. A motion and second were made to formalize this, followed by a unanimous vote. Debbie, Susan and John will form the subcommittee that pursues this. If anyone would like to join in this effort, you are most welcome, please email Susan.
9. Ajay has connected us with Verizon's community service possibilities. Verizon would be a great partner for FoFPW but this can only happen if FoFPW becomes a 501(c)(3)
10: TJ Elementary Science Teacher is using the dock area and path for teaching classes of all 3 grade levels.
11. The Library Story Walk is a lovely and fun addition to the park entrance. TJ teachers have been bringing classes to read it.
12. DPW placed metal stakes and ropes along the meadow areas on James Street. We are very grateful that they replaced our rickety bamboo stakes and twine. This defines the mow strip and holds the meadow plants in check as they reach toward the sun and consequently, the sidewalk. Sandi pointed out that the ropes are yellow for safety.
13. Other Topics:
A. STC Summer Beautiful Tree Contest is ready for voting on the Town Instagram account. We heard about a beautiful Copper Beech.
B. The new Pavilion being constructed in Lidgerwood Park will be unveiled on May 22.
14. Meeting adjourned: 6:45 PM.
15. Next meeting: Monday, November 8, 2021 7:00 PM back on Zoom.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
September 13, 2021
Call to Order: by Susan at 6:30 PM
1. Attendance: Susan & John Landau, Diane Otto, Sobia and Jalal Kahn,Thelma Achenbach, Marcia Graydon, Greg Lombardi, Allen Wells, Gail Biggs, Linda Carrington , Willie Juhlin, John Fagan, Bill Schlosser, Flora DeGeorge, Madeline Simon, Lisa Miller
2. August Minutes: Approved with correction of the month (!)
3. Treasurer's Report: No change in our account and no update of the Town Trust.
4. Website and Facebook page
John F. took a group photo for the website. Pasted here, pretty great!
John F. continues to post regular updates and will link to the FB page as well.
Greg encouraged all of us to visit the site; a lot of good information is posted, including a live map of the regions in the park where work is being done, with explanations.
Jalal is our Facebook Admin, he welcomes your content. He will change the restrictions so all can post directly and he will monitor to be sure it stays friendly. He reports that photos are frequently opened 40 or more times each!
5. Owl box: John L. will burn "Noah's Owls " onto its side and mount it.
Thelma and Greg are researching Owl singage to post along the path.
6. Restoration/ Invasive Work Days: We will continue to work Fridays and Sundays 9-12 AM through Oct. 8, then resume Oct. 29. As always, as weather permits. Later in the fall we will switch to afternoons for warmth and the weekday may change.
7. Garden Club of Morristown has dedicated $1500 of funds to FPW. We will use some this fall with our other $270 in donations for shrubs. And some funds will go toward winter seeding projects. And some funds will be used in spring for more native flower and grass plugs. We are thrilled to have this generous contribution and to have a partnership with GC of M.
8. Bench donation: The town estimate for the bench and installation totaled approximately $5000. This is, understandably, too high a cost for the potential donors. We thank them sincerely for exploring this possibility.
9. The NJISST Annual Conference: Went really well, about 15 folks engaged in or thinking about work similar to ours, came and toured the park.
10: Other topics:
A. Allen's meditation walk was greatly enjoyed. Next time we will post a notice on the FB page in advance.
B. Story walk from the library is still a work in progress.
C. TJ's new science teacher is taking classes to the dock area for exploration and teaching.
D. Spotted Lantern Fly and Ailanthus (Tree of Heaven) were discussed. Here's the link to the circle trap:https://patch.com/new-jersey/morristown/s/hs8w6/catch-and-kill-nj-spotted-lanternflys-with-this-trap?utm_source=nearby-news&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=alert
This circle trap is useful once the SLF chooses a favorite tree in a yard. It will catch nymphs and adults as they travel up the tree with very little danger to other critters unlike insecticides and sticky tape.
Fact sheet on Ailanthus trees is here: https://extension.psu.edu/tree-of-heaven
Penn State is a fantastic resource for information on SLF and Ailanthus trees
11. Meeting adjourned: 7:30 PM.
12. Next meeting: Monday, October 4, 2021 6:00 PM in person, in the park.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
August 9, 2021
Call to Order: by Susan at 6:30 PM
1. Attendance: Susan & John Landau, Thelma Achenbach, Marcia Graydon, Greg Lombardi, Allen Wells, Kaitlyn Vortherms, Jeanne Cunillera, Gail Biggs, Linda Carrington , Willie Juhlin, Sandi Mayer
2. June Minutes: Approved
3. Treasurer's Report: No change in our account and no update of the Town Trust.
4. Bird Boxes:
A. 1 Bluebird box can go up near the James Street meadow
B. The owl box should go up soon while it is dry and before possible winter roosting
C. Greg will check the general status of the boxes that are in place.
5. Restoration Plans/ Invasive Work Days:
A. Work days continue on Fridays and Sundays from 9-12 with the exception of Friday August 20.
B. The wood chip trail in the James St. meadow will be opened in September. This should allow time for the turtle eggs laid in the chips to hatch.
C. Shrubs are being planned for a fall planting using donations.
6. Website:
A. Posting " Spotted" is open to anyone who would like to take this on for the website. Please contact John F.
B. A subgroup is forming to name sections of trails, anyone wishing to join this, please email Susan.
Possible names will be discussed with the whole group at the next meeting.
C. New postings are up including photos from Willie and a gallery for Jen
D. Group photo -- discussed but we forgot to take it-- next meeting!
E. John L.'s latest FPW Restoration Plan update is posted
F. New Items are on the Resources page as well.
7. Facebook: Jalal Kahn has joined us and is a new facebook admin with Chris. This is functioning as a "spotted" guide because people are posting photos as the park changes over time. Please have a look and follow: Friends of Foote's Pond Wood on facebook!
8. Bench donation: We still need an installation cost for the donors. Location consensus is leaning toward the pond side of the path near the Dogwood and big rock to the right of the entrance. We would need to maintain a short path for access.
9. Story Walk: Mary Lynn will visit the park and see if there is a good place for a story walk.
10. Mayor's Favorite Photo of Morristown: We are still confused about how to find it and participate. Sandi will pass along anything she learns.
11. The NJISST Annual Conference: This will be held at the park on Sept 12 with a rain date of Sept 19. We will have a practice run of the walk and talks and invite FoFPW, time TBD. Geese will be added as an invasive species that we control.
12: Other topics:
A. Deer are a major problem in our environment and their current remarkable overpopulation inhibits regeneration of native plants including trees. This is a good article that we could post on our website: https://www.npsnj.org/articles/effects_overabundant_deer_and_other_northern_nj.pdf
"Because deer strongly reduce tree recruitment, shift species composition, and reduce understory cover across large spatial scales, they represent a significant concern for forest managers and an issue that should be effectively addressed."
"The severe declines observed in nearly all forest understory layers since the mid-Twentieth Century clearly present a major challenge for forest stewardship and restoration in the future. Continuation of these trends will result in the further deterioration of the many benefits these forests provide, including biodiversity, wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, soil and water quality, and economic and aesthetic values (Shifley and Moser, 2016). The severe long-term depletion of the smaller size classes of trees may even threaten the survival of the forests themselves, leading to a failure of younger trees to adequately replace older, larger trees as they die off. This most extreme outcome of these processes is already occurring in places in New Jersey, particularly in small forest fragments with greater exposure to disturbance, where large scale mortality from storms or pests and diseases is resulting in their conversions to thickets of invasive shrubs and lianas or other vegetation types (Johnson and Klemens, 2005). Greater attention to these matters is urgently needed if further declines to our forest conditions are to be avoided."
B. We might consider working with the TJ science teacher to establish native plants in the school foundation plantings or at least offer substitutes for their invasive plants.
Meeting adjourned: 7:30 PM.
Next meeting: Monday, September 13, 2021 6:30 PM in person, in the park.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
June 14, 2021
Call to Order: by Susan at 7:00 PM
1. Attendance: Susan & John Landau, Madeline Simon, John Fagan, Thelma Achenbach, Marcia Graydon, Greg Lombardi, Debbie Ryysylainen, Allen Wells, Flora DeGeorge, Lisa Miller, Kaitlyn Vortherms,, Bill Schlosser, Sobia Kahn, Jeanne Cunillera, Gail Biggs
2. May Minutes: Approved
3. Treasurer's Report: No change in our account and no update of the Town Trust.
4. Stone Inscription is in place and looks lovely. Heartfelt thanks from the Landaus.
5. Bird Boxes:
A. Deb reports that wrens and swallows are actively nesting in our boxes.
B. A location for the Owl box has been determined. Placement date TBD, but certainly when the ground is drier.
6. Main meadow along James Street:
Annuals have sprouted and the first bloom of the short cosmos has been spotted.
Turtles have laid eggs in the deep wood chip trail.
7. Restoration/Invasive work days:
A. Work continues Friday and Sunday mornings. We have about 200 plugs left to plant near the dock.
B. Morristown Garden Club has joined us and it is a wonderful and effective partnership.
8. Website: John has posted new content
9. Trailside benches: Mark and Pat Rochkind have generously offered to fund new trailside benches. FoFPW members enthusiastically welcome this donation. Please send placement suggestions to Susan.
We will ask for town approval and coordination. John F. will keep the Rochkinds up to date.
10. Water Pump: We have town approval to use a water pump in times of drought to draw water from the pond for our plantings.
11. NJISST Annual Conference will be held at Foote’s Pond Wood Sept 12 with Sept 19 as the rain date. Town approval paperwork in in process, details will follow.
12. Other topics:
A. Allen led a Library sponsored meditation walk at FPW and it was greatly enjoyed. He will entertain the idea of regular Tuesday evening meditation walks 1-2 times/ month.
B. Cat has photographed 2 Wood Duck families and a young Blue Heron at the pond. Beautiful photos attached below.
C. We will submit a request for a floating platform in the water so the turtles can sun themselves and be seen by visitors.
D. It has been observed that the snappers are begging for food from people at the dock far less and it seems as though people are no longer feeding them.
Meeting adjourned: 7:40 PM.
Next meeting: We will skip July and the next meeting will be in person at the park August 9 at 6:30. Weather permitting of course. Please bring a chair.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
May 10, 2021
Call to Order: by Susan at 7:02 PM
1. Attendance: Susan & John Landau, Madeline Simon, John Fagan, Willie Juhlin, Thelma Achenbach, Marcia Graydon, Greg Lombardi, Debbie Ryysylainen, Allen Wells, Linda Carrington, Flora DeGeorge, Sandi Mayer, Lisa Miller, Kaitlyn Vortherms,
Linda Carrington, Bill Schlosser, Bhavani Chandramouli
2. April Minutes: Approved
3. Treasurer's Report: No change in our account and no update of the Town Trust.
4. Mayor's Ribbon Cutting at FPW was lovely. Press coverage and edits were positive and attendance was very good especially for a rainy day.
Landaus are touched and a little overwhelmed by the inscribed stone from FoFPW. Thank you!!
5. Bird Boxes -- Deb checks the boxes every week and reports that one probable Bluebird chick has died. She will clean out the box and we will hope for a successful second clutch. Other boxes have Wren nests or are vacant.
We will find a place for Noah's Owl Box and let everyone know when it will go up. Fun moment to gather in the woods.
6. Main meadow along James Street-- was seeded twice, before and between rains. First with native, deer resistant, wildflowers and grasses and again with Zinnia, Coreopsis tinctoria, Heliopsis helianthoides, Rudbeckia hirta and low growing early Comos. Some plugs were planted in the "Y' of the new wood chip path closest to the pond, just to have an example of a plug planting at the ribbon cutting.
7. Invasive work days -- are scheduled this week to catch more of the garlic mustard and to begin planting Terri's design near the dock with plugs of natives.
The Garden Club will vote on participating in our work at the park this month.
8. Website --- John posted the press features and photos from the ribbon cutting. Willie captured the moment the Mayor actually cut the ribbon for us.
John is continuing to review the site and think about some reorganization.
9. Clean Up Day -- is scheduled for May 5, sign up is online through the Town website.
10.Other Information--
A.Linda gave us an update about the geese at FPW. There is one nesting pair at the pond this year, 5 eggs were replaced with wooden ones. The pair seem to be off the nest now so the nesting season may have ended.
B.Also discussed was the unfortunate photo of a man holding a large snapping turtle by its tail for a photo.
C. The snappers are begging under the dock and food has been seen in the water. Sandi will contact Susan about a sign to discourage feeding.
D. The New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team may hold their annual conference at FPW this fall.
Meeting adjourned: 7:35 PM.
Next virtual meeting: Jun 14, 2021 7 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
April 12, 2021
Call to Order: by Susan at 7:01 PM
1. Attendance: Susan & John Landau, Madeline Simon, John Fagan, Willie Juhlin, Thelma Achenbach, Marcia Graydon, Greg Lombardi, Gail Biggs, Debbie Ryysylainen, Allen Wells, Linda Carrington, Flora DeGeorge, minutes
2. March Minutes: Approved
3. Treasurer's Report: No change in our account and no update of the Town Trust.
4. Mayor's Ribbon Cutting: At FPW is scheduled for May 8, 11 AM. Everyone is encouraged to come to show our thanks for all that has been accomplished.
5. Bird Boxes: We installed a new donated Bluebird box, thank you Greg! And the boxes that were close to foot traffic along the path were moved to more isolated spots. Debbie and Greg will patrol the boxes weekly to manage for wasps or other troubles, otherwise the boxes should be left alone. Fingers crossed for Bluebirds.
Thelma will donate an owl box in honor of her grandson whose first words were "hoo hoo". Thank you! Installation will be under Greg's direction.
6. Main meadow along James street: Soil remediation is scheduled for next week, weather permitting. After the soil work is completed, a meandering pathway covered in wood chips will be laid down in the middle of the area. We will follow with native seeds , plugs and annuals ( including Zinnias) for color pop this year. Terri will design the path and plug planting.
7. High School students are working with us to fulfill community service hours. They are tremendously valuable and wonderful to work with.
8. Restoration plans/ Invasive work days:
A. 35 bare root shrubs ( 7 species) were planted and the HS students laid cardboard and mulch around them to suppress competition from non-naitive invasives while the new plants establish themselves.
B. We have 2 donations that will expand our shrub planting near the dock this year. Thank you Marcia!
C. Coming soon will be many days of planting 100s of native plugs guided by Terri's design and garlic mustard mitigation days. I will email flash garlic mustard days as soon as their flowers show up. We will no longer pull entire plants, just lop off flower heads to prevent seed formation.
D. No further word from the Garden Club.
9. Website is being reviewed for possible reorganization as time allows. The Woodside Community Website now links to FoFPW.org.
10. FPW on websites: By unanimous vote, FoFPW agrees to post FPW on websites that recognize habitat/pollinator friendly restoration. Examples are: 2/3 4 the Birds https://www.234birds.org/you/the-list, Doug Tallamy’s Homegrown National Park: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/the-map and Pollinator Pathways: https://www.pollinator-pathway.org/
11.Other Information
A. Lidgerwood de-vining trees on March 20 went very well. Approximately 30 residents attended and the Mayor, Councilpersons, Rotary Club and STC Chairperson spoke.
B. Native plugs available at cost ( generally $2) have arrived, email Susan if you would like the list of species.
C. Great Swamp Watershed Association is holding a native plant plug sale April 21-22
Anyone interested in helping, please look here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040e4cafa82aa7fc1-gswa
Meeting adjourned: 7:55 PM.
Next virtual meeting: May 10, 2021 7 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
March 8, 2021
Call to Order: by Susan at 7:01 PM
1. Attendance: Susan & John Landau, Christine Miller, Terri Reynolds, Madeline Simon, Chris Cioffi, John Fagan, Willie Juhlin, Thelma Achenbach, Marcia Graydon, Greg Lombardi, Jeanne Cunillera, Gail Biggs, Romaine Reiner and Councilwoman Sandi
2. January Minutes: Approved
3. Treasurer's Report: No change in our account and no update of the Town Trust.
4. “Going Native " Brochure: We have 1000 copies of the “Morris County Edition” brochure. The FoFPW logo looks great. These brochures have been well received and the electronic edition has been renamed “For Northern New Jersey” so that other counties are included. Please see it attached below for easy home printing. If you would like one of the 1000, please contact Susan or John.
5. Email: We will continue email bcc. Vote by email is possible, maybe over the course of 2 meetings so discussion can be heard in meetings and communicated via minutes.
6. Website www.fofpw.org: Christine detailed the site and has recommended edits, John will incorporate changes that the site will permit. Thanks to both Christine and John!
7. Restoration Plans/Invasive work days:
A. We are very grateful to have Terri onboard, she is working hard to design layered naturalistic plantings for areas that are near the dock and she has an eye out for the park as a whole. This is of immeasurable benefit; it greatly increases our odds of success both in subduing invasive plants and achieving naturally beautiful plantings.
B. Bare root shrubs will arrive in early spring (likely April) and we will also send out planting days for these.
C. Plugs: There will be days in April and May that we will schedule for planting plugs to follow Terri's design, depending on weather and soil conditions. After the more urgent days of planting bare root shrubs and plugs, we can settle into a more predictable weekly schedule to continue planting and working on invasive plants.
D. Areas around the dock and to the left of the path heading toward the dock have been seeded and straw has been laid on top. Preparation for this was accomplished with great help from Chris C and friends.
E. Morristown Garden Club is still interested in a small plot nearest the schoolyard in the general area of the dock.
8. Please look at these sites: 2/3 4 the Birds ( https://www.234birds.org/you/the-list.) and Doug Tallamy’s Homegrown National Park: https://homegrownnationalpark.org/the-map. It is possible to add FPW to their maps as habitat restoration areas. We can vote at the next meeting.
9. Other Information:
A. Lidgerwood: A day de-vining trees has been set for March 20 at 1:00
B. Native plugs available at cost ( generally $2) mid-April, email Susan if you would like the list of species.
C. Great Swamp Watershed Association is working toward a native plant sale April 21-22
Anyone interested in helping or buying plants, please email Susan or John.
10. Other topics:
A. Bird boxes situated too close to the path will be moved in early spring before nesting.
B. STC has been of great support and we ask to move forward with habitat restoration. Non-toxic deer repellant use is approved as well as planting bare root shrubs and live stakes.
Meeting adjourned: 7:40 PM.
Next virtual meeting: April 12 , 2020 7 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
January 11, 2021
1.Call to order: by Susan at 7:00 PM
2.Attendance: Susan & John Landau, Flora DeGeorge, Christine Miller, Terri Reynolds, Madeline Simon, Chris Cioffi, John Fagan, Willie Juhlin, Thelma Achenbach, Marcia Graydon, Beth Bayles, Allen Wells, Greg Lombardi, Councilwoman Sandi Mayer
3. December Minutes: Approved
4. Treasurer's Report: No change.
5. Foote's Pond Trust held by Morristown: $260 total. 5 donors. Willie will print thank you cards with her enhanced photo of Great Brook. Susan will write notes. Willie's art can be seen here: https://www.fofpw.org/wilhelmina-juhlin
6. "Go Naitve " Brochure: This is a tri-fold developed by Barnegat Bay Partnership in cooperation with Ocean County College, funded by USEPA. With permission we have customized the information for a Morris County edition. Once printed, FoFPW has many ideas for distribution.
7. Logo: Possible samples had been sent by advance email and they were shown on Zoom screen share.
A. "Small Pond Big Heart" tagline was approved by voice vote after discussion.
B. Logo discussion and vote followed. We lost our Zoom link in the middle of this vote and had to re-sign in. The vote resulted in a clear majority in favor of the Egret standing tall with reflection. Cattails were a strong but distant second. This held after collecting votes of those who did not rejoin the meeting. 8 for the Egret, 4 for cattails, 2 for others, 1 abstention. Egret font will be fine tuned by Terri ( Thank you!) and the logo will go on the BBP "Go Native " brochure.
8. FoFPW email: Will remain as bcc by consensus agreement. Email discussion among subsets of members is always encouraged. Susan or Flora can send a blast email to see who is interested in a topic for email discussion or groups can form themselves.
Voting by email was not discussed and will be on February's agenda.
9. Website: https://www.fofpw.org/
Anyone with a blog contribution is welcome to send to John F.
Sandi will check with the Town about linking to our site.
10. Restoration Plans/Invasive work days: We've had great work days clearing ground in preparation for winter seeding of native forbs. Chris and his High School team have been very helpful in this effort.
11. Information
A. Lidgerwood -- Shade Tree Commission is forming a strike team for LIdgerwood Park. The first project will be to de-vine trees.
B. Native Plant Plugs have been ordered and will arrive early May. They will be available at cost, generally $2 each. Anyone interested, please email Susan.
C. Rutgers Environmental Stewards Program. reg. deadline Jan 22. https://envirostewards.rutgers.edu/.
D. Jersey-Friendly Yards Webinar series Invite -- www.jerseyyards.org/workshops-events/2021-webinars/.
12. Other topics:
A. SIgns at the park. All notices collected on to one sign for FPW and possibly all Morristown parks was discussed. John L to get a photo of the Township Park signs.
B. Our next meeting will be on Google Meet because there is no time limit. John L will open the session at 6:30 PM so that anyone can sign on early and work out kinks before the meeting. If you'd like a trial session before then, please let John or Susan know.
Meeting adjourned: 8:15 PM.
Next virtual meeting: February 8, 2020 7 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
December 14, 2020
Call to order: by Susan at 7:01 PM
Attendance: Susan & John Landau, Madeline Simon, Chris Cioffi, Jeanne Cunillera, John Fagan, Willie Juhlin, Thelma Achenbach, Marcia Graydon, Linda Carrington, Lynne Cicero, Allen Wells Greg Lombardi, Councilwoman Sandi Mayer
November Minutes: Approved with a correction to add an "h" to Achenbach.
Treasurer's Report: No new transactions.
Foote's Pond Trust: Jillian Barrick has not responded with an update yet.
Hydro-raking Staging Area:
The layer of pond muck spread over the area was unfortunately, clay. Anthony Devizio understands and will remediate when weather allows. We will follow with seeds and cover with straw.
Also discussed was the area near the dock and TJ playground with sinkholes. Anthony will have those areas filled and then we can follow with invasive mitigation and native plant restoration.
Website: https://www.fofpw.org/ is ready.
1. Sandi Mayer will look into linking this with the town's website.
2. Anyone interested in helping with the website, please contact John Fagan.
3. Linda brought the website to the attention of Kevin Coughlin.
Invasive Work Days:
1. Weekly invasive work days are suspended because it is cold.
2. Next spring, based on new science, we will modify our approach to Garlic Mustard. Instead of pulling we will cut flower heads before seeds form.
3.Our updated report for STC is almost ready and will be distributed to FoFPW
4. 464 volunteer hours have been invested in FPW this year to date.
Adopt-A Spot Sign:
Christine added "www.fofpw.org" to the sign. It is lovely--- Thank you Christine!
Lidgerwood:
Tree de-vining is going to be scheduled in Lidgerwood Park as STC begins to reach into other parks where invasive control is needed.
A date will be set after coordination with STC, the Town, Chris Cioffi and friends and the weather and notice is given to neighbors of the park. FoFPW strike team will help move this project forward.
High School Community Service Hours:
High School students need to accumulate 10 community service hours each year before April 30. Chris brought this to our attention and we will plan opportunities for this winter and all years following. Chris can coordinate his team and we welcome their help!
Meeting adjourned: 7:38pm.
Next virtual meeting: January 11th, 7 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
November 9, 2020
Call to order: by Susan at 7:01 PM
Attendance: Susan & John Landau, Madeline Simon, Chris Cioffi, Jeanne Cunillera, John Fagan, Willie Juhlin, Thelma Achenbach, Marcia Graydon, Flora DeGeorge
September Minutes: Approved with a correction to note that the meeting was held virtually.
Treasurer's Report: No new transactions.
Foote's Pond Trust: Susan just emailed Jillian Barrick to request an account update.
Hydro-raking: The hydro-raking has been completed.
1.Susan will send an email of appreciation on behalf of FoFPW, to Sandi Mayer. She will read it read at the next Council meeting
2. We will express thanks briefly "in person" at the Dec 1 Town Council meeting at 7:30 PM during the public session. Anyone who can Zoom in then will be helping to show FoFPW support.
3. A layer of muck from the pond will be spread over the field that had been used to stage the heavy hydro-raking equipment.
4. This winter, native meadow seeds will be distributed over the area and native plants can be plugged in the spring. Zinnias and other annuals will be seeded in the spring as well.
Website: https;//www.fofpw.org/ is ready. Great thanks to John Fagan!!
1. Sandi Mayer can ask Morristown to add the link to the town's website.
2.Chris is working on the FoFPW Facebook page and documenting the hydroraking project with photos and comments. He is invited to add this information to the website's blog.
3. Website address can possibly be added to our Adopt-A-Spot sign.
4. Anyone interested in helping with the website, please contact John Fagan.
Morristown Garden Club: Leslie Bensley, civic liaison to the MGC, walked FPW with Susan and John. She reports that the club is interested in establishing a pollinator garden in the park and they have their own funding. The area that they are interested in planting is adjacent to the school, in the general area of the dock.
FoFPW will make sure to have permission from STC and the Town.
Invasive Work Days: Are going quite well with some regular volunteers and others who come intermittently. All are welcome every fair-weather-Thursday at 10 AM! Porcelain Berry Vine has been the focus of recent work.
Bricks Inscription Project: This fundraiser will be revisited after COVID 19 subsides and coordinated with any Town celebration of FPW improvements. We are looking for someone who likes fundraising and can run this drive.
Other Topics:
Goose nests: No nesting geese were found at Foote's Pond this spring. However 11 nests were managed at Burnham Park.
Activities at the park: Passive recreation is permitted. A permit is required for fires and food for public events. We can perhaps put rules up on the website.
Meeting adjourned: 7:37pm.
Next virtual meeting: December 14th, 7 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Flora DeGeorge
September 14, 2020
Call to order: by Susan at 7:02 pm.
Attendance: Marcia Graydon, John & Susan Landau, John Fagan, Madeline Simon, Linda Carrington, Flora DeGeorge and Councilwoman, Sandi Mayer
August Minutes: Approved.
Treasurer's Report: $237 in the FoFPW account and at least $50 in the FP Trust account. Current Trust account balance still needs to be requested.
Invasive Work Days: Volunteer clearing of invasives is going very well. We continue to meet every Thursday morning at 9:30. Buck rub protection, supplied by STC, will be applied to young trees this Thursday.
Trust: Susan will request an updated account total in the FP Trust held by the Town.
Website: https://www.fofpw.org/ development continues. We need people to oversee subsections to keep them up to date. All interested in helping should
contact John Fagan and a committee will be formed. Please contact him with suggestions as well. Sandi Mayer will request that the Town post a link
to FoFPW.org when it's ready.
Meeting adjourned: at 7:21pm.
Next meeting: October 12th, 7 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Flora DeGeorge
August 10, 2020
Call to order: by Susan at 7:01 PM
Attendance: Susan Landau, Linda Carrington, John Fagan, Greg Lombardi and Sandi Mayer
-June Minutes: Approved
-Treasurer Report: No change to report. We do know some donations have been made to the Town Trust and an update from Jillian will be requested.
-Invasive work days: The work continues every Thursday, 9:30 AM.
-Trash cans: Discussion is delayed until we have more people in a meeting.
-Foote's Pond Trust: In order to show support for the Town's efforts at the park, anyone who would like to, is encouraged to send a donation. Even a small amount will demonstrate support. FoFPW can apply to use those funds.
-Website: John Fagan has constructed a wonderful website for FoFPW. He asks for input about the URL domain name and suggestions in general. https://footespond.wixsite.com/website
-Council Representative Sandi Mayer: Reports that the hydroraking is on track for this fall. And as for our concerns about things like signs and trash cans, she suggests a meeting on site to discuss, perhaps with DPW. We need to have our ( FoFPW) requests sorted prior to that meeting.
-Meeting adjourned: 7:35 PM
-Next meeting: September 14, 7 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Susan Landau
July 13, 2020
Call to order by Susan Landau: Virtual meeting convenes at 7pm.
Attendance: Madeline Simon, Diane Otto, Linda Carrington John Fagan, Jeanne Cunillera, John Landau, Susan Landau, Allen Wells, Christine Miller, Gail Biggs, Thelma Achenbach, Wilhelmina Juhlin, Marcia Graydon, Flora DeGeorge, Greg Lombardi
June Minutes: Approved
Treasurer Update: Flora reports $237. in the FoFPW account and $50. in the town trust account.
Hydro Raking Update: The town remains committed to maintaining some open water habitat and hydroraking is on track for this fall. The scope of hydroraking is limited to the funding set aside in the 2019 budget and the town is actively negotiating to do as much as possible.
Invasive Work Days: Everyone is invited to join the strike team work on Thursday mornings at 9:30. Anywhere from 3-12 have been participating. Ecologist Sara Webb of Drew University toured FPW and was impressed by our ongoing efforts. As invasives are pushed back, more native plants are rebounding.
Signs: A) Historic sign: The Morris County Heritage Commission has declined our application for a sign at the park.
B) Do Not Feed: The "Do Not Feed the Wildlife" sign is in poor shape. We will request to have it relocated to the water's edge after hydroraking.
Doggie Bag Station, Trash Can Relocation: This week members voted to request no dog bag station be installed. Next week members will revisit the desirability of keeping garbage cans at the park or if we might request that they be removed. If we are in favor of keeping trash cans at the park, recommendations for relocation will be considered.
Brick Inscriptions or other fundraisers: Brick fundraiser will need a new chairperson. Currently, we are putting this project on hold because of COVID-19. Fundraising by selling native seeds and plugs is a possibility in the future.
Foote's Pond Wood Trust: Future donations can be made directly to Foote's Pond Trust account held by Morristown. We can then apply to use those funds as needed. The correct way to write checks and mail in so that funds reach the trust, will be distributed by email.
Website: John F. is making progress on the Foote's Pond Wood Website and plans to reach out to Burnham Park Pond's website person for information about their experience.
Other Topics:
A) The Morristown Garden Club came to look at the park and have located a section of the meadow near the school playground that needs remediation. It would be a good site to use for their pollinator grant and if they choose it, we will need to maintain it. This would need to be approved by the Town, through the STC.
B) Shade Tree Commision is holding an invasive training session taught by Mike Van Clef on July 18 at FPW. So, after two years, Mike will have a chance to see our progress against invasives in the park and hopefully give us more guidance. This gathering will be a small, invite only event run by the Shade Commision. Representatives of Burnham Park Association and MEC are invited.
Respectfully Submitted,
Flora DeGeorge
June 8, 2020
Virtual Meeting called to order at 7:01 PM.
In attendance: Sandi Mayer, John and Susan Landau, Christine Miller, Elizabeth Bayles, Gail Biggs, Allen Wells, Willie Juhlin, John Fagen, Marica Grayden, Thelma Achenbach, Flora DeGeorge
1) Welcome: Special welcome to our new members. We have 54 in FoFPW now.
2) New Laurel Bushes: Christine planted 2 Mountain Laurel bushes near the bridge by the dam, on the James Street side. They were donated by her neighbor, Elizabeth Bain, and are doing nicely.
3) Invasive Work Days/plugs and seedlings update: Volunteers have pulled Mugwort two times so far this year and it is becoming less vigorous. Volunteers will be called for a third round when the weather allows. Meadow flower plugs along the sidewalk are showing signs of deer munching new, tender leaves. Seed sprouts still need time to take root and show themselves.
4) Areas Compacted by Heavy Machinery Update: Native meadow seeds have been spread in the area affected by the heavy machinery.
5) Hydro Raking Update: Sandi reports that hydro raking will still take place and likely be in the fall since money from the 2019 budget has been appropriated for this project. The project may be scaled down to fit the budget and specifics are still to be determined. More from Sandi when she has information from Anthony.
6) Brick inscription Committee: No new updates at this time.
7) Restored Trails in the woods towards Loyola: A trail has been re-established in the 10 acres formerly owned by Loyola.
8) Environmental Webinar Notices: Susan to continue to send out webinar information because members in attendance were interested.
9) Bird Boxes: This Year's Occupants: There are Bluebirds in one box and Wrens in three others. Wood ducks have had babies but we are not sure if they used the duck box . For the comfort of the birds it has been recommended that we move the bird houses further back from the newly installed trail in the fall.
10) Fundraiser Ideas: Greg has proposed selling native seeds (and plugs) as part of a fundraiser when we are ready for one.
11) FoFPW emails- send BCC: Emails to be sent out bcc for privacy and to prevent lengthy reply chains. Periodic updated email lists will be provided to members.
12) John F. researched and presented website options. Wordpress looks very like it could meet our needs very well. If anyone would like to establish and maintain a webpage for FoFPW, it could be a lovely site for information and photos.
13) The FPW Historic Sign will be discussed by the Morris County Heritage Commission this month.
14) A request that trash bins be moved to the sidewalk and for a doggie poop bag dispenser for the park has been submitted to Kathleen Margiotta. Our worries about people feeding the snapping turtles will also be relayed to Kathleen.
15) Our next meeting will be on July 13 at 7 PM. We will use Zoom and see if it is easier for people to access. The link will be emailed with the agenda.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:40pm
Respectfully submitted, Flora DeGeorge