Cape May’s Environmental Commission took a moment to recognize the city’s re-acquisition of the Sustainable Jersey silver certification. The certification will be presented at the League of Municipalities Conference on November 19. However, there was some debate over whether the city should cover the $75 luncheon fee for attendees. Despite this logistical concern, the commission showed enthusiasm for attending the conference.

In addition to celebrating the certification, the commission addressed several financial concerns. It was revealed that the budget for environmental initiatives stood at approximately $8,000, which needed to be allocated before the next fiscal year. There was uncertainty surrounding funds earmarked for events like Harbor Fest and Monarch Fest, which had yet to be received. This lack of clarity prompted a call for better documentation and communication concerning budget allocations to ensure that future requests are adequately supported. The commission also discussed a historical budget standard of $6,000, with a proposal to request an additional $4,000 for creating a dark sky pamphlet, inspired by successful models from other areas.

The commission expressed a strong interest in increasing collaboration with local organizations to boost community engagement and educational outreach. An idea was floated to allocate $2,000 for school visits to the Nature Center, with additional funds proposed for community festival contributions. The commission considered the potential of leveraging successful practices from a Canadian group known for its effective environmental programs.

The Dark Skies program was another topic of discussioned topic, with plans for an outdoor event in front of the convention hall. The event will include presentations and telescopes for public viewing. A promotional flyer has been completed, and various groups, including Princeton University, confirmed their attendance. Discussions also touched on the need for public awareness campaigns regarding existing light pollution regulations, with suggestions made to create educational materials similar to those proposed for native plant awareness.

The Mayor’s Monarch Pledge was revisited, emphasizing local government commitments to monarch butterfly conservation. The pledge involves community involvement and education, with the commission expected to lead programming and marketing efforts. Ideas included initiating a monarch tagging program and creating educational signage about dune ecosystems. These efforts aim to increase community engagement and awareness of environmental challenges.

Commission members also reflected on recent events like Dun Day and the Monarch Fest. The Monarch Fest reportedly attracted over 1,200 attendees. Suggestions for enhancing these events included returning to a native plant sale in the fall or organizing workshops on planting native species. Additionally, the success of recent dune planting initiatives was discussed, highlighting positive public feedback and the potential for improved planting methods.

Further discussions addressed the need for planting additional native species, particularly in areas where non-native plants, such as yaka, have become problematic. A plan was mentioned for high school students to assist with planting efforts, and there was a suggestion to collaborate with Avalon for resources and expertise.

Lastly, the meeting touched on a cleanup effort at the harbor, scheduled for November 5, coinciding with low tide to ensure better accessibility. The commission also introduced a new participant, Courtney, a seasonal employee at the Nature Center and the Watershed Ambassador for the region. Her role involves local environmental education and collaboration on community projects, including cleanups and invasive species removals.