The most prominent topic of discussion was Dune Day, an event aimed at engaging the local community in beach preservation efforts. Flyers for the event have been prepared and will be distributed through various channels, including public locations like Wawa and local restaurants. The logistics of gathering waivers ahead of time to streamline registration were also discussed. Partnerships with local groups such as Surf Riders and other community organizations were highlighted, with supplies for the cleanup, including gloves and shovels, being provided by the Nature Center.

One member mentioned ordering mop handles to assist in dune planting, emphasizing the effectiveness of these tools for the task. There was also a suggestion to distribute information about Dune Day to local high school students to help them fulfill community service requirements. Additionally, a beach cleanup event organized by Clean Ocean Action is scheduled for October 19th, with volunteers from the community encouraged to participate.

The conversation then shifted to the Dark Sky initiative, an effort to promote awareness about the importance of reducing light pollution. The commission discussed the need for educational materials to inform the public about the significance of dark skies. Flyers will be created to provide basic information, with more in-depth discussions planned for the event itself. A proposal was made for a local columnist to write about the event in advance to raise awareness and provide context, which the group agreed would be beneficial.

Concerns about Harbor View Park were also a point of discussion. Members expressed the need for the Environmental Commission to be involved in the planning process to ensure appropriate plantings for the area. There was acknowledgment of past modifications to the park that did not align with original visions, particularly regarding plant heights and designs. The challenge of maintaining native plantings was highlighted, with concerns about neighboring homeowners planting non-native species that could disrupt the park’s intended aesthetic and ecological purpose.

The notion of the park serving as a space for passive recreation rather than active sports was emphasized, with some members expressing that it should be a place for quiet reflection rather than active games. The need for appropriate park maintenance was discussed, with suggestions that maintenance budgets should be specifically allocated for Harbor View Park. The possibility of contracting maintenance work out to private companies was raised as a potential solution to alleviate the burden on city employees.

The meeting also covered the role of beach vegetation in flood defense for Cape May. A member reminded the commission that local beach vegetation serves as a natural barrier against flooding and should be recognized for its ecological importance. Past storms were referenced. Maintaining this vegetation benefits both the environment and the community by providing habitats for various species.

Educational outreach regarding native plants and their benefits was another topic of interest. There was a suggestion to create informational content for local publications to highlight the importance of certain plants, such as poison ivy, which serves a purpose for local wildlife despite its reputation. The idea of organizing future dune planting events was brought up, emphasizing the value of biodiversity and the continued health of local ecosystems.